Larry Mantle gets an overview of the CA Legislature's vote on prison reform. Then, a discussion of LA County's criteria for evaluating child abuse. Afterward, how do health insurance co-ops work? And a look at the popularity of fantasy sports.
Prison early release vote
The California legislature met this morning to discuss reforms to the state's prison system, including contentious provisions that could lead to early release of many inmates and parolees. Will the Governor sign on to the Democrats' plan? How should lawmakers confront overcrowding and tight funds in state prisons? Add your thoughts here.
Guests:
Michael Rothfeld, reporter for the Los Angeles Times
Chuck Alexander, Vice President of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association
Don Spector, Director, Prison Law Office
Michael Rushford, President of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation; a public interest foundation supporting the rights of crime victims
Saving abused children: how it works, how it doesn't
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ordered an investigation into the child welfare system after the deaths of three children last month. In the investigation, they'll be looking at the rules and processes used by social workers in determining at what point a child is in danger. Larry talks with experts about the challenges and criteria involved in finding and saving children from abusive guardians.
Guest:
Blanca Vega, Assistant Regional Administrator with the Compton office of LA County Department of Children and Family Services
Health care debate: are exchanges and co-ops real reform?
If the public option is indeed abandoned from the health care reform plan, it might be replaced by health insurance co-ops. But even this proposal, championed by Blue Dog Democrat Sen. Kent Conrad (ND), is controversial. Critics from both sides of the aisle say co-ops don’t work and aren’t a real alternative. So what’s the deal with co-ops? How would they work? And is there any kind of health care reform Republicans would go for? Share your thoughts as Larry gets the details on co-ops.
Guests:
Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute
Jerry Flanagan, health care policy director, Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy group
Fantasy sports
30 million people in the U.S. and Canada now are involved in fantasy sports, where participants manage imaginary teams made up of real professional athletes, and compete with others based on how their players perform statistically over the season. Fantasy sports is an $800 million industry, but it may come at a cost. One study estimates that fantasy football alone takes $9 billion out of workplace productivity. Do you participate in fantasy sports? Tell us about your experience as Larry Mantle takes a look at its popularity.
Guest:
Sean Gregory, Time staff writer