SPF On Air Senate Presidents’ Forum

Ep. 7: In this episode, Senator Ron Kouchi describes the impact and aftermath of the tragic Lahaina wildfires of August 2023 — a crisis that reshaped state priorities overnight.

Ep. 6:  Senator Ferguson describes how a teaching gig (“the toughest job I will ever have”) led him to a career in the legislature. Fourteen years later, the lessons are still coming. 

Ep. 5:  Idaho is the second-fastest growing state — but is it all good news? Senator Chuck Winder describes how a population influx has impacted the budget, schools, and dynamics in the Legislature.

Ep. 4:  "I don't take for granted being in the majority. Nothing is permanent.” Senator Stewart-Cousins discusses policy priorities and how she wants to use her time as Majority Leader and Senate President Pro Tem.

Ep. 3:  “You have to be an institutionalist,” says South Dakota's Lee Schoenbeck. "It does not matter what happens to you as much as what happens to your institution.” The Senate President Pro Tem talks with host Tom Finneran about accountability in the legislature and why communication is key.

Ep. 2: A downside of term limits is the loss of institutional knowledge among lawmakers — so who can a senate president turn to? Senator Steve Fenberg of Colorado discussed this challenge and more in a substantive talk with host Tom Finneran, recorded at SPF's Summer Forum.