Part 1
We first talk with Scott Braddock, who is the Editor of the Quorum Report, and is based in Texas. We discussed the effect of the COVID-19 virus in Texas. Although the governor has asked the people of Texas to shelter in place, no official order has been issued. However, individuals who arrive in Texas by plane are being asked to self-quarantine for two weeks after arrival. Automobile travelers are not being screened or quarantined, however, even those from neighboring Louisiana.
The Texas governor, by statue, is weak, and has few options to order specific behaviors. There is no special session of the Texas Legislature scheduled for this year, despite the seriousness of the health emergency. Different segments of voters have differing perceptions of the seriousness of COVID-19, with Democratic voters more likely to perceive this as a very serious problem.
Another problem in Texas, is the price of oil. Because of the Saudis’ and Russian decisions to lower the price of oil, this has affected the Texas economy, and it is expected that the budge will have a $5-10B shortfall for 2020.
Part 2
We have a conversation with Steffen Schmidt, Political Science Professor at Iowa State University.
We discuss with him the effects of COVID-19 in Iowa, and the shutdown of most businesses and economic activities. The pandemic is perceived to be serious, but there are many facets of the Iowa economy that will be affected. Particularly, because Iowa is an agricultural economy, there are parts that should not be shut down, because they affect the food supply for the rest of the country.
Preparedness for this event was also covered in our conversation. The options that the president has, and the governors have were covered, and what the effects could be. In addition, we look forward to the situation that will exist after this pandemic is over, if ever. We will have to make ourselves more resilient, with respect to the production of food, energy, and power by democratization or decentralization, to avoid being completely dependent on large organizations that may be disabled in the future.
