Insight & Influence: The Podcast
In late 2024, we launched our Insight & Influence e-newsletter to share information and updates on Harrisburg happenings and those with across the state. Now we've moved to the next level with a companion podcast, also called Insight & Influence.
Presented by C & G Strategies, Insight & Influence brings insightful conversations from influential people including government officials, industry leaders, and advocates from across the state.
Episode 13 of 2026 of the C & G Strategies podcast, Insight and Influence, is now available wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode features Rep. Jessica Benham and Patrick DeMico, Executive Director of The Provider Alliance, discussing Pennsylvania's community-based support system for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). DeMico explains how services have evolved from institutional care to integrated, lifelong community living—ranging from independent living and employment assistance to 24/7 care in group homes. Rep. Benham, who is on the autism spectrum herself, shares her unique perspective both as a self-advocate and a former provider, emphasizing the importance of dismantling societal misconceptions surrounding varying support needs.
The primary operational hurdle facing Pennsylvania's ID/A system is a critical shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), highlighted by an 18% vacancy rate and a 41% turnover rate caused by demanding workloads and uncompetitive wages (averaging $18.53/hour). Because the state currently only re-evaluates reimbursement rates every three years, funding lags behind inflation and market realities. To fix this, Rep. Benham and co-prime sponsor Rep. Jason Ortitay introduced House Bill 1939—a bipartisan bill negotiated with providers and the Department of Human Services to establish more frequent rate increases, improve transparency, and build a sustainable workforce. An upcoming hearing on the bill is planned with the hope that the bill moves forward this fall when the General Assembly returns to session.
2026 Episodes
Episode 1: What's Ahead from the C & G Strategies Team
Episode 2: Alex Halper of the PA Chamber
Episode 3: Dewey Ianuzzo and Rachel Poorman of the Pittsburgh Towing Association
Episode 4: Brian Kennedy of the Pittsburgh Technology Council
Episode 5: Rep. Justin Fleming and Jen DeBell of PennAEYC
Episode 6: Matt Smith of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development
Episode 7: Sheriff Kevin Kraus and Todd McGregor and Mike Daniher of Scouting America
Episode 8: Senator Nick Pisciottano and Alan Sisco, ACED Deputy Director
Episode 9: Saleem Ghubril of The Pittsburgh Promise and Leroy Ball of Koppers
Episode 10: Will Pickering of Pittsburgh Water
Episode 11: Jeff Garner of Pittsburgh Riverhounds Sports Group
Episode 12: Dawnelle Mock of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA)
2025 Episodes
Episode 1: Senator Jay Costa, Jr.
Episode 2: Lt Governor Austin Davis and Cara Ciminillo (Trying Together)
Episode 3: Senate Pro Tem Kim Ward and Danielle Ramaley (WATT Fuel Cell)
Episode 4: Senator Joe Pittman, Ali Mills (Plum Contracting) and Rich Barcaskey (CAWP)
Episode 5: Rep. Jesse Topper and Audrey Russo (Pittsburgh Technology Council)
Episode 6: Senator Wayne D. Fontana and Saleem Ghubril (The Pittsburgh Promise)
Episode 7: Dawn Keezer (Pittsburgh Film Office) and Mamie Stein (IATSE Local 489)
Episode 8: Lauren Niehaus (Trulieve) and Meredith Buettner (PA Cannabis Coalition)
Episode 9: Rep. Lindsay Powell, Marc Little (Emery Construction) and Jason Tigano (LEVEL)
Episode 10: Major Marcus Jugenheimer and Adam Kitta (The Salvation Army WPA Division)
Episode 11: Matt Galluzzo (Riverlife) and Rep. Emily Kinkead
Episode 12: C & G Strategies' Tony Crisci and Rob Vescio
Episode 13: Tom Frank (NAIOP Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh Councilmember Erika Strassburger
Episode 14: PA Senator Greg Rothman, Chair of the PA Republicans
Episode 15: Former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, Chair of the PA Democrats
Episode 16: Rep. Matt Bradford
Episode 17: Senator Devlin Robinson and Christina Cassotis (ACAA)
Listen and learn on your favorite podcast platforms today.
(And don’t forget to subscribe. New episodes available twice a month – subscribe and don’t miss one.)
