2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts with Mark Lieberman and David Ardrey

01/30/25 • 56 min

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In part one of the second episode of the new series, 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Mark Lieberman reporter for Education Week covering K-12 school finance nationwide. He previously covered technology for EdWeek, digital learning and online education in the postsecondary world for Inside Higher Ed, and local news and culture in the D.C. area for a variety of outlets.

Michelle and Mark cover the financial struggles faced by rural schools due to funding cuts, particularly the implications of the Secure Rural Schools Act. They explore how these cuts can significantly impact school budgets, leading to potential layoffs and program reductions. The discussion shifts to the topic of private school choice, examining how it affects rural students and the challenges of limited private school options in these areas. The conversation highlights the complexities of education funding and the need for accountability in new educational policies.

Continuing the conversation, Michelle was joined David Ardrey, interim Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association, and Executive Director of the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS). His decade-long service to the NREA includes his recent Presidency of the NREA in 2023; numerous board positions, committees, and legislative work; and serving on the NREA Foundation board.

During their conversation, Michelle and David cover a wide range of critical rural education issues. They discuss the impact of potential cuts to the Department of Education, the challenges of funding disparities, the importance of research and policy in rural education, the interconnectedness of food security and education, and the urgent need for advocacy to support rural schools. David emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education to combat poverty and improve the quality of life in rural communities.

Resources:

https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/rural-schools-are-set-to-lose-key-federal-funds-unless-congress-acts-fast/2025/01

https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/video-whats-in-store-for-school-funding-in-the-new-trump-administration/2024/12

Resources:

https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/rural-schools-are-set-to-lose-key-federal-funds-unless-congress-acts-fast/2025/01

https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/video-whats-in-store-for-school-funding-in-the-new-trump-administration/2024/12

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2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts with Larry Levitt and Edwin Park

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In part one of the first episode of the new series 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Larry Levitt, Vice President for Health Policy at KFF. Levitt oversees policy work on Medicare, Medicaid, the health care marketplace, the Affordable Care Act, racial equity, women’s health, and global health. He previously was editor-in-chief of kaisernetwork.org, which was KFF’s online health policy news and information service and directed KFF’s communications. Prior to joining KFF, Levitt served as a senior health policy adviser to the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services, working on the development of the Clinton Administration’s Health Security Act and other health policy initiatives.

Michelle and Larry cover a wide range of issues focused on the critical role of Medicaid and Medicare in the U.S. health care system, including potential and anticipated federal funding cuts and the implications for vulnerable populations. They explore the enrollment trends in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, the impact of proposed changes on state-level health policies, and the challenges posed by Medicare Advantage plans for rural health care providers. The discussion emphasizes the need for advocacy and awareness around these issues as they affect millions of Americans.

Continuing the conversation, Michelle was joined by the Edwin Park, Research Professor at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, within the McCourt School of Public Policy. His work primarily focuses on Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Affordable Care Act. Previously, he worked for 17 years at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, most recently as Vice President for Health Policy. He also was a health policy advisor for the White House National Economic Council, a Medicaid professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and a health law attorney in private practice. In addition, he served on the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition team. He is also a member of the National Academy of Social Insurance.

During their conversation, Michelle and Edwin discuss the impending Medicaid cuts proposed by congressional Republican leaders and their potential impact on rural communities, state budgets, and social programs. They explore how these cuts could lead to significant reductions in healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas, and emphasize the importance of advocacy and community engagement in addressing these challenges.

Resources:
https://ccf.georgetown.edu/2025/01/15/medicaids-role-in-small-towns-and-rural-areas/ https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2827780?resultClick=1 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2815369?resultClick=1 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2823514 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/06/opinion/medicare-drug-price-negotiation.html

Next Episode

2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts with Dreama Gentry

In the third episode of the new series, 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Dreama Gentry, President and CEO of Partners for Rural Impact, a national intermediary that mobilizes rural leaders, strengthens the capacity of rural organizations, and activates policymakers and philanthropic partners to ensure the 14 million children and youth living in rural America are on a path to upward mobility. Partners for Rural Impact has eight offices nationwide and 350+ employees with an annual budget of $60+ million.

Michelle and Dreama discuss the challenges and opportunities in rural education, particularly focusing on the impact of federal funding and discretionary grants. They explore the importance of these funds in supporting educational programs, addressing persistent poverty, and ensuring equity in education. Dreama shares how Partners for Rural Impact is increasing access to high-quality programs and supports to improve outcomes for children in rural America, from kindergarten readiness to reading and math proficiency to college and career readiness.

The discussion highlights the need for advocacy, storytelling, and collaboration among rural communities to sustain and improve educational outcomes for young people. Gentry emphasizes the critical role of local support and the economic implications of funding freezes, how collaboration among rural organizations strengthens advocacy efforts, and how every young person deserves unhindered pathways to upward mobility.

Resources:
To learn more about Partners for Rural Impact work visit: https://partnersrural.org/