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.
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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)
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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)
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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
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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.)
