How your morning oats could help you manage your weight

Posted on by Yellow Sheet Report Staff
TUCSON, Ariz. — Ozempic – known generically as semaglutide – has taken the weight-loss market by storm, promising to help people shed pounds quickly. Though many use the drug to reduce body weight, it is mostly prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes in adults and carries a high price without insurance coverage. But what if you could achieve weight loss and improved glucose control without medication? New research led by Frank Duca, associate professor in the University of Arizona Department of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences , suggests that consuming foods rich in beta-glucan, a type of fiber found in oats and barley, can reduce body weight and obesity. The study , published in The Journal of Nutrition, analyzed the impact of different fibers on gut microbiota – the community of tiny microbes living in the digestive system that are responsible for breaking down the food we eat. “We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber,” Duca said. “We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer and then also inform the agricultural industry.” Not all fiber is created equal The researchers looked at the effect of five different plant-based fibers in rodent diets: pectin, beta-glucan, wheat dextrin, starch and cellulose. Only beta-glucan resulted in reduction of body weight and fat, as well as improvements in glucose homeostasis. Beta-glucan is a unique fiber that is found in many foods, including oats, barley, mushrooms and yeasts, and future studies will examine how different sources of beta-glucan could differ in their effectiveness. Changes in metabolites – the molecules produced when gut bacteria interact with fiber – seemed to be responsible for the weight-loss effects,  particularly a specific metabolite called butyrate. Butyrate is a key fuel source for colon cells, promoting a healthy gut barrier to reduce systemic inflammation. Butyrate also induces the release of gut peptides, or messengers that regulate the functions of the gut, such as the glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. Drugs like semaglutide are synthetic versions of GLP-1, which stimulate insulin and can also help people feel full. One key difference of naturally occurring GLP-1 is its rapid degradation near the intestine, whereas semaglutide is made to last longer and target the brain. “Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight,” Duca said. “However, we don’t think that’s all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut peptide related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver.” Duca is researching other types of fiber that can be beneficial for weight reduction. In a previous study , the Duca Lab discovered that barley flour was the most effective in promoting weight loss compared to several other commercially available flours. Other studies involving oligofructose have also demonstrated beneficial effects. In the future, Duca hopes to collaborate with other researchers to develop enhanced fibers that can optimize the release of butyrate. Registration opens for Pima County’s 2024 after-school rec programs PIMA COUNTY, July 17, 2024 – Registration is open for the after-school programs that will be offered at six of Pima County Parks and Recreation’s community centers. The program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade in the current school year; 5-year-olds must be enrolled in elementary school. The program’s activities include arts and crafts, board and table games, group games, sports, and special events. All programs run from 2-6 p.m. The locations are:
  • Catalina Community Center: 16562 N. Oracle Road
  • Drexel Heights Community Center: 5220 S. San Joaquin Ave.
  • Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center: 1660 W. Wetmore Road
  • Littletown Community Center: 6465 S. Craycroft Road
  • Picture Rocks Community Center: 5615 N. Sanders Road
  • Robles Ranch Community Center: 16150 W. Ajo Highway
There is a $50 fee per child per month, and discounts are available for additional children in the same family. There are also reduced fees for children who are enrolled in SNAP, AHCCCS, or similar assistance programs. Monthly payment plans are available. This is the first program to use Parks and Recreation’s new online registration system, Kaizen. “It is very user-friendly on all devices and will improve the experience for our customers,” said Kelly Cheeseman, recreation superintendent at Parks and Recreation. Online registration closes on July 31. After that, call 520-724-5000 to register into any available space.

How your morning oats could help you manage your weight

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff

TUCSON, Ariz. — Ozempic – known generically as semaglutide – has taken the weight-loss market by storm, promising to help people shed pounds quickly. Though many use the drug to reduce body weight, it is mostly prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes in adults and carries a high price without insurance coverage. But what if you could achieve weight loss and improved glucose control without medication?

New research led by Frank Duca, associate professor in the University of Arizona Department of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, suggests that consuming foods rich in beta-glucan, a type of fiber found in oats and barley, can reduce body weight and obesity. The study, published in The Journal of Nutrition, analyzed the impact of different fibers on gut microbiota – the community of tiny microbes living in the digestive system that are responsible for breaking down the food we eat.

“We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber,” Duca said. “We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer and then also inform the agricultural industry.”

Not all fiber is created equal

The researchers looked at the effect of five different plant-based fibers in rodent diets: pectin, beta-glucan, wheat dextrin, starch and cellulose. Only beta-glucan resulted in reduction of body weight and fat, as well as improvements in glucose homeostasis. Beta-glucan is a unique fiber that is found in many foods, including oats, barley, mushrooms and yeasts, and future studies will examine how different sources of beta-glucan could differ in their effectiveness.

Changes in metabolites – the molecules produced when gut bacteria interact with fiber – seemed to be responsible for the weight-loss effects,  particularly a specific metabolite called butyrate. Butyrate is a key fuel source for colon cells, promoting a healthy gut barrier to reduce systemic inflammation. Butyrate also induces the release of gut peptides, or messengers that regulate the functions of the gut, such as the glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1.

Drugs like semaglutide are synthetic versions of GLP-1, which stimulate insulin and can also help people feel full. One key difference of naturally occurring GLP-1 is its rapid degradation near the intestine, whereas semaglutide is made to last longer and target the brain.

“Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight,” Duca said. “However, we don’t think that’s all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut peptide related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver.”

Duca is researching other types of fiber that can be beneficial for weight reduction. In a previous study, the Duca Lab discovered that barley flour was the most effective in promoting weight loss compared to several other commercially available flours. Other studies involving oligofructose have also demonstrated beneficial effects. In the future, Duca hopes to collaborate with other researchers to develop enhanced fibers that can optimize the release of butyrate.

Registration opens for Pima County’s 2024 after-school rec programs

PIMA COUNTY, July 17, 2024 – Registration is open for the after-school programs that will be offered at six of Pima County Parks and Recreation’s community centers. The program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade in the current school year; 5-year-olds must be enrolled in elementary school. The program’s activities include arts and crafts, board and table games, group games, sports, and special events. All programs run from 2-6 p.m. The locations are:
  • Catalina Community Center: 16562 N. Oracle Road
  • Drexel Heights Community Center: 5220 S. San Joaquin Ave.
  • Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center: 1660 W. Wetmore Road
  • Littletown Community Center: 6465 S. Craycroft Road
  • Picture Rocks Community Center: 5615 N. Sanders Road
  • Robles Ranch Community Center: 16150 W. Ajo Highway
There is a $50 fee per child per month, and discounts are available for additional children in the same family. There are also reduced fees for children who are enrolled in SNAP, AHCCCS, or similar assistance programs. Monthly payment plans are available. This is the first program to use Parks and Recreation’s new online registration system, Kaizen. “It is very user-friendly on all devices and will improve the experience for our customers,” said Kelly Cheeseman, recreation superintendent at Parks and Recreation. Online registration closes on July 31. After that, call 520-724-5000 to register into any available space.

 

Former State Rep. Lorenzo Sierra Joins Matters of State Strategies As VP Of Public Affairs

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX- Former Arizona House of Representatives member Lorenzo Sierra has joined Matters of State Strategies as Vice President of Public Affairs where he will spearhead public affairs at the local, state, and federal levels. “While I’m no longer an elected official, I’ve been drawn back into the political arena,” said Sierra, “I am excited to join the team at Matters of State where I can continue to make a difference in the community.” “Lorenzo has proven to be an amazing leader in Arizona. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him join the team,” said Matters of State Partner Matt Grodsky. Sierra’s work has touched people in every part of our state. He advocated bringing Hispanic Heritage Month to Gilbert and has worked alongside organizations such as the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicanos Por La Causa, Xico, and Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone’s Leadership Committee to address existing and emerging issues. Sierra entered the political arena in 2015. As a member of the Avondale City Council, he served on the Maricopa Association of Governments’ (MAG) Economic Development Committee. He led efforts that earned Avondale the coveted “All-America City” honors and MAG’s “Top Economic Development City in Maricopa County” Award. Following his municipal work, he served two terms as a member of Arizona’s House of Representatives, securing $45 million in Pre-K funding. He was the committee swing vote that brought the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to Arizona, creating tens of thousands of new high-paying jobs. He served as treasurer of the Arizona Legislative Latino Caucus and as immigration co-chair for the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Sierra was one of four Arizonans named to Joe Biden’s national Latino Leadership Committee during the 2020 presidential campaign. He was also instrumental in crafting and passing Arizona’s first bipartisan budget in more than a generation in 2022. Sierra is the author of the book, “Fight Like Hell: Love, Politics, and the Will to Live,” which is set to be released in 2025 and is about his wife’s cancer fight and his COVID fight, both in the shadow of recent American history. He lives in Avondale with his wife, Rhonda, and two rescue dogs, Teddy and Hilda. They are parents to three adult children: Megan, Adam, and Roman.

County sending more cooling resources to Ajo and Western Pima County

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff

AJO, Ariz., July 17, 2024 – Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher said today the state and the County would be sending more cooling resources to Ajo to help community members protect themselves from the heat this summer.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is delivering a “COOLtainer” to Ajo July 18 that is similar to the ones recently set up in Tucson. The COOLtainer is a fully ADA accessible, air-conditioned repurposed shipping container that operates off solar power. The state is deploying 18 of the centers around Arizona, including two in Tucson. “The new cooling resources for Ajo and the surrounding community is much needed and welcome news since electrical outages are unfortunately frequent occurrences during the monsoon season,” said District 3 Pima County Supervisor Dr. Sylvia Lee . “District 3 is unique in that many of the communities we serve are rural which can make providing resources more challenging. We are thrilled that cooling services will be provided seven days a week.” The Salazar-Ajo Public Library , in the historic Ajo Plaza , serves as a cooling center in the unincorporated community about 130 miles west of downtown Tucson. The library will provide extended hours and no longer close from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. each weekday. It will remain open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mondays, and 9 a.m. -5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The new COOLtainer will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The County is placing the new weekend cooling resource next to the County pool at E.S. “Bud” Walker Park , 290 W. 5 th Street. Community Health Workers from the County Health Department will staff the facility, which will be open to anyone who needs to get out of the heat. It is expected to open for service July 20 and be open every weekend through the rest of this summer. “Sometimes, just a couple hours out of the heat in a cool place is all that’s needed to prevent injury due to heat or for someone at risk of a heat injury to recover,” said Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen. The state and county health departments this year have launched aggressive public awareness campaigns about the rising threat of heat injury and illness due to a warming planet. The County and the city of Tucson are cooperating in promoting cooling centers in the metro area as part of that effort. While extremely high temperatures happen every year, the threat of increased heat is tied to its persistence. It gets hotter sooner, stays hot longer, and doesn’t cool off much at night. “The body never has a chance to recover. That’s why it’s so important for people who may have limited financial resources to run their air conditioning all day, or their AC breaks down, or someone who is unhoused, to have the opportunity to go somewhere to cool off. It could be the difference between life and death,” Cullen said.  While pets are not allowed at the Library during the week, the COOLtainer will have a few kennels inside the container to keep pets cool, too. Pima Animal Care Center Director Monica Dangler said persistent high heat also is a health threat for animals, who likewise benefit from respite in a cool place. The County is in discussions with other Ajo community agencies to find more resources for pets, especially during power outages. A COOLtainer isn’t’ the only resource on its way to Ajo. The County is installing a generator at the Walker Park Community Center to provide power in the event of a power outage and allow the Community Center to serve as a larger cooling site during emergencies. Earlier this month, a protracted power outage affected the Library, causing its closure. The Community Center will now be able to fill that need during protracted power outages. The Community Center is being retrofitted to support the generator switchover and the Center won’t be available as an emergency shelter until that work is completed in the next week or so.  Lesher said a more permanent solution for Ajo and Western Pima County will come with the opening of the Curley School gym early next year. The County is renovating the historic building which will be used for multiple purposes, including as a heat respite center and emergency shelter. All of the new assets arriving in Ajo or under construction will be available for use by residents in the nearby Western Pima County communities of Why and Lukeville, as well as residents of the far western Tohono O’odham Nation. To help keep Ajo and Western Pima County residents informed about County programs and services, and about heat resilience and resources, the County Communications Office has created a Ajo and Western Pima County Facebook page.

ACC Addresses West Valley Water Customers’ Concerns

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Arizona Corporation Commission is aware of Liberty Utilities (Litchfield Park Water and Sewer) Corp. customers’ concerns regarding the implementation of Stage 2 of the utility’s Curtailment Plan Tariff. The Commission is actively monitoring the situation and working with Liberty Utilities on this matter.  Our Utilities Division staff has been meeting regularly with the Company through the summer to ensure that Liberty Utilities remains in compliance with the Commission’s Decision and Rules to avoid a repeat of what occurred last summer.   Liberty Utilities notified the Commission on July 8, 2024, that it planned to activate Stage 2 on July 9, 2024, of the updated Curtailment Plan, which allows the utility to ask its customers to VOLUNTARILY conserve water in response to increased water demand and extreme temperatures.  The Company also called on the interconnection with the City of Goodyear to supplement their own water supplies, which is part of the plan that the Commission approved in February.  It is the Commission’s understanding that this is a temporary measure.   Liberty Utilities is making progress in improving its water system, addressing previous low water pressure incidents and has shared with the Commission its plans to invest in new infrastructure to increase its water system supply in the coming months.   To view documents related to this issue, go to the Commission’s Online docket at https://edocket.azcc.gov and enter docket W-01427A-24-0001.

Kelly Visits Mexico to Deepen Arizona-Mexico Ties, Meet with Key Mexican Officials Ahead of Presidential Transfer of Power

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
Kelly and the delegation met with outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum—who will be sworn-in as Mexico’s first female president on October 1 st —, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Bárcena, the Minister of Finance and Public Credit Rogelio Ramírez de la O, and other Mexican dignitaries. The legislators also attended a reception with Mexican business leaders hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar.    “At a moment of change in Mexico as they prepare to inaugurate their first woman president, this visit was valuable to deepen cooperation on issues like migration, security, trade, and economic development that are critically intertwined with the United States,” said Kelly. “Mexico is one of our most important economic partners, and we see it every day in Arizona with cross-border commerce and travel along our ports of entry that we are working to upgrade. I look forward to partnering with President-elect Sheinbaum and her cabinet to address our shared challenges as we continue strengthening the historic relationship between both of our nations.”  On Monday, Kelly and the delegation held a meeting with President López Obrador to discuss regional coordination on economic projects, U.S.-Mexico engagement to address migration, improving security in the region, and efforts to address drug trafficking along the border, particularly of fentanyl. Ambassador Salazar and Secretary Bárcena were part of the conversation.    On Tuesday, Kelly and the group spoke to President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum about measures to address migration and security along the countries’ shared border. Kelly took the opportunity to raise the importance of both countries working together to strengthen port infrastructure in Arizona, which Kelly funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  That same day, the delegation visited a Catholic-run migrant shelter in Mexico City that serves families, women, and minors. In talking to staff, Kelly heard about the aid provided to migrants and asylum seekers and learned more about changes in the current migration flow at the shelter.    In addition to Kelly, the delegation included Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA), as well as Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-4), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4) and Juan Vargas (D-CA-51). 

Attorney General Mayes Sues Cummins and FCA (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) for Deceptive “Super Clean” Truck Claims

Posted on by Arizona Legislative Report Staff
PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today filed a lawsuit against Cummins, Inc. (“Cummins”) and FCA US, LLC (“FCA”) for allegedly defrauding Arizonans by falsely advertising and selling thousands of so-called environmentally friendly, low-emission “super clean” vehicles, without disclosing to consumers that the vehicles had illegal emissions defeat devices installed in them and were not clean trucks at all. More than 23,600 Arizonans own these “super clean” Cummins and FCA trucks.

 

The lawsuit claims that Cummins and FCA marketed and sold diesel trucks to Arizonans as “super clean” alternatives, suggesting they were more powerful and efficient than gasoline vehicles, without the same negative environmental impact. These false advertisements and material omissions led Arizona consumers to pay a premium for these vehicles under the belief they were making an eco-friendly choice.

 

“Deceptive practices that harm our environment and deceive consumers will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Mayes. “By promoting their vehicles as eco-friendly while secretly violating emissions standards, Cummins and FCA have betrayed the trust of Arizonans and violated our state’s consumer protection laws. I am committed to holding these companies accountable and ensuring that justice is served for the people of Arizona.”

 

Diesel vehicles are generally more expensive than gasoline vehicles but are known for being more powerful and fuel-efficient. However, diesel engines are more harmful to the environment, with higher emissions. To meet emissions regulations, compromises in power and performance are necessary.

 

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants used illegal defeat devices on model year 2013-2019 Dodge RAM 2500 and 3500 trucks with 6.7-liter engines to bypass EPA emissions testing, ensuring these vehicles passed the tests but did not comply with emissions standards during normal operation.

 

Cummins and FCA also marketed their trucks as having efficient and powerful engines with adverse environmental consequences. They falsely claimed compliance with EPA emissions requirements. In reality, due to illegal defeat devices, these vehicles were neither “clean” nor eco-friendly and did not comply with EPA emissions requirements without repairs.

 

These illegal defeat devices caused the vehicles to emit increased levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The Department of Justice estimates this resulted in thousands of tons of excess NOx emissions. NOx pollution contributes to smog formation, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues and death.

 

Cummins, the engine designer and manufacturer, allegedly knew its diesel engines included these illegal defeat devices and software. They failed to disclose this when applying for Certificates of Compliance to sell these vehicles in the United States, including Arizona.

 

The complaint seeks injunctive relief, restitution, disgorgement, civil penalties, plus fees and costs.

 

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website . If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.

 

A copy of the complaint is available here. 

Banks presents his personal biography in RNC speech

Posted on by Brian A. Howey

For Jim Banks, now is no time to be a “wimpy Republican.”

The Indiana congressman and U.S. Senate nominee addressed the Republican National Convention and joined presidential nominee Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee JD Vance in the VIP box.

“We need President Trump back in the White House if we’re going to make America great once again,” Banks said during his 4-minute address Tuesday evening. “He’s going to need backup in the United States Senate. This is no time for wimpy Republicans. That’s why I’m running. We’ll start by securing the border. If you came here illegally under Joe Biden, you’re going back to where you came from under Donald Trump.”

Banks injected his personal biography in making the case that there has been what he calls a “paradigm shift” among the American electorate, with the GOP transforming itself from the country club party of corporate America to that of the working class.

“Only in America could a kid like me, who was born in a trailer park, become your next United States senator,” he said. “Only a kid like me, who was born in a trailer park, the son of a factory worker and a nursing home cook, could end up here. I’m Jim Banks, and I have lived the American dream and I’m proud of it.

“My dad was a union Democrat for most of his life,” Banks continued. “Today he’s a Trump Republican because my dad knows that President Trump will always put American workers first. Trump was the first president of my lifetime to hold China accountable for taking our jobs. He brought manufacturing back to Indiana and boosted wages for hardworking Hoosiers. Ladies and gentlemen, Trump saved the American dream. But if we have Biden for four more years, that dream won’t be there for my three daughters. 

“But the biggest difference today between Republicans and Democrats is we believe America is the greatest country in the history of the world, but they don’t,” Rep. Banks continued.

“My friends, I can’t wait for Nov. 5 at 6:01 p.m. Eastern Time when the great state of Indiana is once again the first state on the board to give our Electoral College votes to the greatest president of my lifetime, my friend Donald J. Trump.”

Schmuhl on Biden candidacy

Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl was asked by State Affairs/Howey Politics Indiana on Saturday if President Biden should remain on the ticket despite his poor debate performance in late June.

“I do,” Schmuhl said at a post-Indiana Democratic Convention press scrum. “We all know that President Biden was unopposed in our primary. He received 100% of our primary vote, so he will have 100% support from our delegates in Chicago unless something changes. I can safely say — like many Democrats across the country who do share concerns and are worried that the campaign can get a strong message out — [we] can build a narrative to take on Donald Trump, but I think we’re working through that right now. We’ll just have to see where we end up.”

Asked how Hoosier Democrats can reverse a trend where they have been defeated in every statewide race since 2012, Schmuhl said, “It’s sort of the MAGA starting lineup. You’ve got Donald Trump, Mike Braun, Micah Beckwith, Jim Banks and Todd Rokita. Those are five individuals I would argue [make up] the most extreme ticket the GOP has ever put forward for our state.” 

Schmuhl’s comments came two days before Trump named Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance as his running mate. 

“You can only go so far for a political party before you start showing some cracks,” Schmuhl said. “I think they showed some cracks at their convention a few weeks ago. I really do. Mike Braun was unable to get through his picked lieutenant governor candidate. You saw here this evening Jennifer McCormick got through her lieutenant governor candidate. Terry Goodin got almost 80% of the vote. We have a strong ticket, we really do. Jennifer McCormick is traveling around the state. She and Terry Goodin are public education experts. Terry Goodin is a rural Indiana expert. Having a woman on the ballot in this day and age with the assault on women around our state and country is an asset. We have a good ticket. We just have to get them out there and spread the message to Hoosiers.”

As for the assassination attempt on Donald Trump on Saturday, Schmuhl, who managed South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 Democratic presidential campaign, said, “It’s sort of surreal. I heard about it during the middle of our proceedings this afternoon. I was really immersed in that. Then a staff member told me, and for a moment I was just totally shocked. 

“I condemn all violence in politics and public service,” Schmuhl said. “There’s absolutely no place for that in our country. I have run a presidential campaign before from this state. I know the security concerns running for office. It seems that former President Trump is safe and it’s good news. The safety of people running for public office, that’s not a partisan issue — that’s an American issue. You should be safe in this country in speaking your mind.”

Hoosier Dems stick with Biden

Many Hoosier Democrats appear to be content with President Joe Biden remaining atop the Democratic national ticket.

At Saturday’s state convention, a unanimous resolution backing the Biden-Harris ticket was passed a little less than three weeks after President Biden’s first debate performance was widely dubbed a disaster. That set in motion calls from some pundits and party members in Congress for Biden to step away from his second nomination.

In a series of interviews State Affairs/Howey Politics Indiana conducted at the Indiana Democratic Convention (before the assassination attempt on Trump), most Democrats appeared content to keep the 81-year-old Biden at the top of the ticket, though several backed a change in the nominee or the messaging.

Read what they had to say here.

Statewides

Wells blasts Rokita’s rhetoric over Trump shooting

Democratic attorney general nominee Destiny Wells on Tuesday criticized Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita for posting what she considered vitriolic rhetoric immediately after a failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Rokita, in a Sunday X post, blamed Democrats, the media and “the establishment in this nation including in Indiana” for encouraging violence.

“As a cabal, they will go to any lengths to silence the speech of those who won’t go along with their narrative — starting with intimidation, lawfare, workplace cancelation, and ultimately deadly violence,” Rokita wrote in the post, in which he also offered his condolences to victims of the assassination attempt.

During a Tuesday news conference, Wells criticized Rokita’s response, calling him a “one-trick pony” who “doesn’t know how to turn it off.”

Read the full story here.

Governor

Chambers, Doden topped Braun’s spending in $48M Republican race

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s wide victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary came even as he finished third in campaign spending for the race. State campaign finance reports filed this week and reviewed by State Affairs show Braun spent nearly $11.8 million between launching his bid for governor in late-2022 and the June 30 end of the reporting period.

Some of Braun’s spending occurred after he won the six-candidate primary on May 7 with 39.5% of the vote, but that total is still less than spending reported by Brad Chambers and Eric Doden.

The Chambers campaign led the pack by spending nearly $15.9 million as he tried to build name recognition after stepping down as Gov. Eric Holcomb’s commerce secretary and entering the governor’s race in August 2023. The founder of real estate developer Buckingham Cos. made $10.5 million in loans to his campaign, including $500,000 four days before the primary. Chambers finished third in the primary with 17.5% of the vote.

Read the full story here.

Statehouse reporters Jarred Meeks and Tom Davies contributed to this article.

Brian A. Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol.

Secretary of State denies letters carried threat of removal from voter rolls

Posted on by Andy Sher

A private law firm retained by Secretary of State Tre Hargett is pushing back against the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee’s assertion that a Tennessee voter-list “maintenance program” that sent letters to 14,375 mostly immigrant residents asking if they were legally registered was intended to intimidate would-be voters.

“To the extent they wish to do so, it provides registered voters the opportunity to correct his or her voter record,” attorney William N. Helou wrote in his letter to Jeff Preptit, a staff attorney with ACLU Tennessee. “It does not threaten to remove anyone from the voter rolls, and the June 13 letter is not part of a systematic voter removal program.”

Helou stressed that the letter “places no burden on any voter to prove anything under threat of being removed from the list of eligible voters.” He added, “the letter does not ask the recipient to do anything, unless their voter record is incorrect. And only then does the letter invite them to correct it.”

The ACLU says Goins’ missives to 14,375 residents amounted to “intimidation” and violated the National Voter Registration Act. Goins told The Tennessee Journal earlier this month that “it’s not intimidation.”

“It’s a statement of the law,” Goins said. “I don’t understand why they’re saying it’s intimidation. It’s literally a restatement of the law.”

Advocacy groups are demanding Hargett and Goins cease all actions that “perpetuate voter intimidation” and “violate the U.S. Constitution and federal law.” They also want issuance of a public statement that no one will be removed from Tennessee voter rolls in relation to the June 13 letters. Another element calls on the state to send a new letter to the thousands of previous recipients confirming that their voter registration won’t be purged and that they have the “right to vote as normal.”

And advocates are seeking release of all records related to the development and implementation of the voter list maintenance program.

“If these violations are not remedied forthwith, the ACLU of Tennessee and the ACLU will challenge the voter list maintenance program in court,” the letter said.

Asked why the outside firm was hired instead of relying on Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Hargett spokesman Doug Kufner said in an email that “given the specifics of this dispute, it was determined to hire outside counsel, which is not unprecedented.”

The AP reported this week that nearly 3,200 people have provided evidence of U.S. citizenship, and more than 300 have requested to be removed from the voter rolls, according to the state elections office. Those on the original mailing list were chosen based on data from the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which has information about whether residents were U.S. citizens when they first interacted with that department. Many were from Davidson County.

In his letter to the ACLU, Helou wrote, “Frankly, the bulk of your eight-page letter attempts to rewrite the Coordinator’s one-and-a-half-page letter.”

“The letter does not ask the recipient to do anything, unless their voter record is incorrect,” Helou said. “And only then does the letter invite them to correct it.”

Before going into private practice, Helou worked alongside Janet Kleinfelter, now the special counsel in Hargett’s office, when they both served in the state attorney general’s office. Helou was among the eight applicants who sought to succeed Bob Cooper as AG in 2014. Other hopefuls included now-Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, and then-Sen. Doug Overbey, R-Maryville. The job ultimately went to Herbert Slatery, who had previously served as Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s legal counsel.

“The Secretary of State’s office should have talked to their lawyers before sending this wildly inappropriate letter to more than 14,000 Tennesseans rather than cleaning up their mess only after litigation was threatened,” state Sen. Jeff Yarbro, a Nashville Democrat and attorney, said in a text. “In an ideal world, the Secretary of State’s office wouldn’t be playing so close to the legal lines to necessitate hiring outside litigation counsel rather than relying on the AG’s office as it has historically.”

Yarbro said “this entire effort has been misguided, mishandled and misleading”.

“The state would be better served if the Secretary of State’s office was focused on dealing with the very real problem of our bottom-of-the-barrel registration and turnout rates rather than chasing conspiracy theory catnip,” he said.

Non-citizens who are legally authorized to live in the United States are eligible to apply for Tennessee driver’s licenses. 

In 2001, Tennessee lawmakers at the behest of Republican Gov. Don Sundquist’s administration authorized driver’s licenses for people who could not prove citizenship or lawful permanent residence. In 2004, the law was revised to issue certificates rather than licenses to immigrants. The program was abolished in 2006. The rationale behind the driver’s license and certificate programs was that even people in the country illegally should know the rules of the road and be able to obtain car insurance.

Aetna alleges health department destroyed KanCare contract bid documents

Posted on by Brett Stover

Aetna’s fight against the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s decision not to award the company a new KanCare contract continues as Aetna alleges the agency destroyed documents related to the bid process.

The company made some progress in obtaining documents after an earlier hearing July 10, Marc Kessler, lead attorney for Aetna Better Health of Kansas, said at a Shawnee County District Court hearing Thursday.

But Aetna is still seeking more information about how the company lost its bid for a new contract to manage the state’s privatized Medicaid program.

“We need transparency and an opportunity to receive all those documents,” Kessler said.

Emails between health department employees and Mercer, a consulting firm that helped facilitate the bid process, indicate some evaluation documents were destroyed in March, he said.

Aetna filed its public records request May 19, Kessler said, and the state still hasn’t turned over all the documents the company is seeking. He said the company has until Aug. 2, 30 days after the Office of Procurement and Contracts rejected Aetna’s protest, to file an appeal under the Kansas Judicial Review Act.

“They’re running out the clock,” Kessler said.

The company’s legal team is seeking to depose three individuals: Janet Stanek, director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Ramona Snyder, a KDHE employee who Kessler said was involved with the alleged destruction; and a representative from Mercer.

Shawnee County District Court Judge Thomas Luedke questioned what legal process would justify those depositions during an open records case. Kessler said the statute allows a judge to remedy a wrong.

Aetna plans to file a motion July 22 asking Luedke to allow the depositions, and the state will have until July 29 to respond.

Tony Rupp, lead attorney for the state, said the hearing went “way off the rails” and suggested Kessler distracted from the facts of the case. Rupp said that he objected to the process because the plaintiffs made no motion before the hearing and that Aetna’s goal was to make the health department look bad.

“Nobody destroyed a document in response to a KORA [open records] request,” Rupp said, though “there were not a lot of documents retained” regarding individual scoring.

“You can’t produce what you don’t have,” Rupp said.

The health department didn’t respond to State Affairs’ request for comment on the alleged document destruction.

Aetna Better Health of Kansas and CareSource Kansas filed protests in June against the health department’s choice of Sunflower Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Healthy Blue to manage KanCare.

The state rejected those protests July 3 as Director of Procurement and Contracts Todd Herman said the contract awards “will remain in place and will continue forward to be implemented and take effect Jan. 1, 2025.”

The three awardees will manage KanCare through Dec. 31, 2027, at which point the health department has the option to renew contracts for two one-year periods.

Brett Stover is a Statehouse reporter at State Affairs Pro Kansas/Hawver’s Capitol Report. Reach him at [email protected] or on X @BrettStoverKS.

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