Latest news with #policyreform
RNZ News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
David Seymour admits statutory rules contribute to ‘enormous rate rises'
Gore Mayor Ben Bell (left), Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour and Tararua district councillor Steve Wallace. Photo: North Canterbury News / David Hill Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says there's no policy for local government reform - yet. In his speech to local government leaders in Christchurch on Thursday, Seymour took a softer approach than expected, where he acknowledged the pressures placed on local councils by central government. Council leaders told Local Democracy Reporting they felt more upbeat after his speech. It was a contrast to Wednesday, when councillors said they felt like "the whipping boys" after a short video address from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and then Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop putting a halt to planning to stop "wasteful spending". In Seymour's speech he said the government had "no policy of changing the structure of local government", contrary to recent political statements. But he acknowledged change could come out of the Resource Management Act reforms. Seymour said he recognised regulations imposed by central government were helping to push up rates. "It is true that people are angry with you [councils] because of enormous rate rises, but many of the challenges councils face are enforced by statutory rules." He encouraged people to contact the "red tape tip-line" with any "unnecessary regulations". "I want to float the idea that we all want the same thing and that is affordable and efficient government." Responding to a question from Gore Mayor Ben Bell, Seymour admitted to "kicking the can down the road" to share GST on new builds with councils - a promise made by ACT during the 2023 general election. "We aren't going to lose sleep about it, because times are tough." But it remained on the agenda, he said. Councils had been asking the government for the GST to be shared in a bid to create more revenue to help with rising costs. Seymour said city and regional deals would lead to better co-ordination between central and local government, creating more efficiencies and cost savings. Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said he felt councils were being rapped over the knuckles by central government at the LGNZ conference. "This year the tone has changed, where you are realising the pressure that local government is under financially from the statutory obligations of central government. "You're saying it to us here, but you are not saying it to the public." Adams called on central government to share the message to the public that rising costs were pushing up rates. "We are working hard, we are trying ... that's not out there in the public." After the speech, Seymour told LDR he wasn't taking a soft or hard approach to councils. "We should be collaborative," he said. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Juvenile Services announces improvements to electronic monitoring policies
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services announced changes to their electronic monitoring policies. The changes will reflect a more proactive agency role. READ MORE:
Mail & Guardian
29-06-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
From groceries to bonds: How a 3% inflation target will affect you
A weaker dollar could lower South Africa's import costs, especially oil, which affects everything from fuel prices to transport tariffs. South Africa is on the cusp of a quiet, but profound, policy revolution, one that will probably not dominate headlines, but could change the cost of living, investment climate and policy credibility for years to come. The South African Reserve Bank is preparing to reset the country's inflation target, narrowing it from the traditional 3% to 6% band to a firm 3% anchor. In May 2025, inflation fell to 2.8%, its fourth consecutive month below the lower bound of the current target. With inflation subdued, the Reserve Bank has not only cut the repo rate to 7.25% but is also strongly signaling that a tighter target could offer greater stability, clarity and long-term growth prospects. This shift is not just academic. It would affect household budgets, food prices, interest rates, job creation, government debt and even South Africa's credibility in global markets. With inflation globally easing, and trading partners adjusting their own macroeconomic targets, the time is ripe for South Africa to follow suit. The current 3% to 6% target band was introduced in the early 2000s when South Africa was grappling with higher inflation volatility and external shocks. But, today, the inflation landscape has changed: Headline CPI has consistently remained below the 4.5% midpoint for the past year and recently fell under 3%. Core inflation, a better measure of persistent pressures, also dropped to 3.0%, suggesting deeper disinflation. With fuel and food prices stabilising, and the rand holding steady, the reserve bank has a rare opportunity to re-anchor inflation expectations at a lower and more credible level. A firmer inflation target provides clarity to markets, businesses and consumers. It helps reduce long-term borrowing costs, improves policy predictability and enhances investor confidence. South Africa's trade and investment flows are deeply influenced by the policies of its largest global partners, all of whom are recalibrating inflation expectations in a post-pandemic world. The US Federal Reserve is expected to begin cutting interest rates by Q3 2025, after inflation fell close to its 2% target. A weaker dollar could lower South Africa's import costs, especially oil, which affects everything from fuel prices to transport tariffs. The European Central Bank began its first rate cuts in June 2025, with inflation now hovering around 2.3%. As the EU is South Africa's top trading partner, stable prices in Europe support South African exports (cars, fruit, metals) and reduce price instability on imports. China faces an opposite problem: deflation. With consumer prices rising just 0.7%, its stimulus measures are designed to boost demand. This could temporarily reduce prices for South African imports, like electronics and machinery, but it could also dampen demand for key exports such as coal and iron ore. While inflation remains volatile in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, South Africa's ability to target and sustain a low rate would position it as a regional anchor of stability attracting investment and strengthening its voice in Africa's financial future. While discussions about inflation targets might seem removed from everyday realities, the effects of this policy will touch every household, small business and worker in South Africa. Here's how. When inflation is high, the prices of essentials like bread, maize meal, oil and meat often rise uncontrollably. A firm 3% anchor can slow these increases. This translates to more predictable household budgets and less pressure on working-class families. 'At 3% inflation, a typical R500 grocery basket would increase by just R15 a month, far less than the R40 to R50 jumps seen in high-inflation periods,' notes economist Reitumetse Mofokeng. Stable inflation contributes to a stronger rand and lower fuel price volatility. For taxi users, truckers and rural commuters, this means fewer fare hikes and transport cost spikes, a key driver of inflation for poor households. Lower inflation usually leads to lower interest rates. Over time, a 3% anchor could bring mortgage and car loan rates down. A R1 million home loan at 11.5% costs about R10 600 a month. At 9.5% (if inflation stabilises), that drops to R9 000 a month, a saving of R1 600 a month. That's money in the pocket for middle-income families struggling with high debt burdens. When inflation is under control, businesses can plan better, borrow more affordably and take investment risks. This spurs new hiring, especially in construction, retail and agriculture. Predictable prices are oxygen for township entrepreneurs,' says Khanyisa Nxumalo, a Sowet bakery owner. 'You can't hire if you don't know your costs next month.' Stable inflation helps workers negotiate real wage increases. In a high-inflation environment, a 6% raise barely covers the cost of living. At 3%, the same raise leaves workers with more take-home value. Despite its benefits, a 3% target isn't a cure-all. It must be managed carefully or it could backfire. If implemented too quickly, it could strengthen the rand too much, hurting export competitiveness. If productivity doesn't improve, South African goods might become too expensive globally. If fiscal discipline falters, inflation expectations could rise again, undermining the Reserve Bank's credibility. This is why the bank insists that it needs the treasury's backing for the shift and that the transition must be gradual, well-communicated and credible. Looking ahead: What South Africans should watch What to watch Why it matters July 2025 MPC Minutes Could signal formal move to 3% The treasury Finance minister must endorse the change Rand stability Key to keeping import prices and inflation down Repo rate forecasts Declining rates signal confidence in the anchor BER inflation expectations survey Shows if businesses and consumers are buying into the new framework For too long, high and volatile inflation has eaten into the incomes of poor and middle-class South Africans, discouraged savings and stifled investment. A firm 3% anchor is a bold policy pivot, one that aligns South Africa with global norms, encourages responsible governance and offers tangible relief for citizens. This is not just about economic theory. It's about bringing down the cost of living, unlocking credit, stabilising food and fuel prices and creating a more investable South Africa. And, if executed with the clarity and discipline that the Reserve Bank is known for, this could mark the beginning of a new macroeconomic era, one of price stability, public trust and economic inclusion. Anchoring at 3% won't fix everything. But it's one strong, steady hand on the wheel — exactly what this country needs right now. Nkosinathi Mtshali is a bachelor of laws student at University of the Free State.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mark Cuban Says Were He To Become President For A Day, He Would Make These Two Simple Moves To Overhaul US Healthcare
Billionaire entrepreneur and Cost Plus Drugs founder Mark Cuban believes that these two changes could dramatically improve the U.S. healthcare system. What Happened: On Thursday, Cuban responded to a question about what two changes he would make to fix the U.S. healthcare system, if he had full power for one day as president. Instead of just giving two, he outlined several bold policy ideas targeting one major issue: prescription drug pricing and healthcare payment systems. He proposed separating formularies from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and any companies they own. "They removed their leverage," Cuban said, implying that PBMs have too much control over pricing and access. Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — The billionaire also suggested a rule that would force Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to buy from any provider offering a lower price than what patients currently pay out of pocket. Beyond those two ideas, Cuban added more potential reforms: requiring providers to honor publicly listed cash prices, banning specialty drug pricing tiers and making provider CEOs personally liable in cases of billing fraud. 'Put together a financing plan for all healthcare out-of-pocket costs, held by the provider, guaranteed by the Feds. And personally guaranteed against fraud by provider CEOs (to end provider fraud),' he said. Why It's Important: Cuban's Cost Plus Drug Company, launched in 2022, has quickly grown by offering transparent pricing and cutting out middlemen to lower prescription drug costs. Its Cost Plus Marketplace, introduced in February 2024, started with over 4,000 medicines—mainly those in short supply—and has since expanded to over 6,000, supporting healthcare providers nationwide. Earlier, Elon Musk criticized the high cost of U.S. healthcare, questioning the lack of value for the money spent. In response, Cuban responded by blaming not just the government but also CEOs of self-insured companies for signing contracts with PBMs that drive up drug prices. Photo Courtesy: Kathy Hutchins on Read Next: Invest early in CancerVax's breakthrough tech aiming to disrupt a $231B market. Back a bold new approach to cancer treatment with high-growth potential. Bezos' Favorite Real Estate Platform Launches A Way To Ride The Ongoing Private Credit Boom Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Mark Cuban Says Were He To Become President For A Day, He Would Make These Two Simple Moves To Overhaul US Healthcare originally appeared on
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Legislators, Advocates, Lawyers, and Organizers Take the Stage during Policy Track at Psychedelic Science 2025 to Shape the Future of Psychedelic Reform
DENVER, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the last year, we've seen the first-ever FDA review of psychedelic-assisted therapy and state legislatures debating—and passing—bills to create legal access across the country. As momentum for psychedelic policy reform continues to grow, Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025) will convene the world's leading voices to reflect on lessons learned, assess today's political landscape, and chart a course for just, compassionate, and responsible psychedelic policy. Hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), this global conference takes place June 16–20, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Psychedelic Science is the largest psychedelic conference in the world — and this year, its Policy Track stands out as one of the most dynamic forums to discuss the urgent need to create legal access to psychedelic substances, drive drug law reforms, and the transition away from criminalization. Despite the challenges of the last two years, the field of psychedelic policy reform is more dynamic than ever, and it is imperative that it builds toward a future where psychedelic therapies are responsibly integrated into society in a way that repairs, instead of reinforces, cracks in existing social and political systems. In 2023, we set the groundwork — this year, the Policy track is about weaving together modern evidence, traditional practices, and practical approaches in service of a stronger safety net and more responsible ecosystem. These conversations are about more than just the law — they are about community, healing, and justice. Our speakers will offer technical expertise alongside essential wisdom on how we can change the world without leaving these values behind. — Ismail L. Ali, J.D., Interim MAPS Co-Executive Director From high-ranking government officials to grassroots organizers, speakers on PS2025's Policy Track will highlight the rapidly evolving intersection of psychedelic research, public opinion, and the law. For policymakers, lawyers, researchers, activists, clergy, Tribal and Indigenous leadership, and community advocates shaping the future of the psychedelic landscape, Psychedelic Science 2025's Policy track offers: The overarching theme of the Policy Track is 'Psychedelic Policy at a Crossroads – Law, Liberty, and Global Change.' It examines how psychedelic research and advocacy are reshaping law and society from multiple angles: Sessions include: Behind the Scenes of Getting Congress Behind Psychedelic Research – As multipartisan momentum builds in Congress, this session spotlights the groundbreaking work of the Congressional Psychedelics Advancing Clinical Treatments (PACT) Caucus and the recently introduced VA bill to establish psychedelic research centers. Join Melissa Lavasani (Founder, Psychedelic Medicine Coalition) and Amy Rising (Air Force Veteran) as they discuss their work to drive progress in Congress, why the PACT Caucus was created, and how several years of careful listening and relationship-building have led to federal support for psychedelic-assisted therapies. From Right to Try to Rescheduling: Legal Battles to Expand Psychedelic Access – Groundbreaking public-interest litigation has catalyzed drug policy reform from the beginning. In this session, pioneering drug policy reform advocate Ethan Nadelmann (Founder, Drug Policy Alliance), and renowned attorneys Kathryn Tucker (Special Counsel, Emerge Law Group) and Shane Pennington (Counsel, Vicente LLP) share updates on high-profile lawsuits aimed at forcing the DEA to ease federal restrictions on research and access to care. The discussion will illuminate how strategic court challenges are pushing the boundaries of current law — and potentially opening new pathways for psychedelic-assisted care through the judiciary. The National Psychedelic Landscape: An Overview of Past, Current, and Future Policy Reform – Over the past 18 months, lawmakers in dozens of states have introduced psychedelic legislation, but why do some bills succeed while others stall? Led by Sam Chapman (of Toolbox Strategies; formerly the Executive Director of Healing Advocacy Fund), this session analyzes the political and practical lessons from psychedelic policy efforts across the country. Chapman will break down which state programs are gaining traction (and why), which have faltered, and who the key players are in advancing or obstructing reform. By distilling trends from dozens of bills — from modest research committees to ambitious regulated access programs — this presentation will point to the possibility of a unified national strategy to advance psychedelic access in diverse political climates. Legislative Success in New Mexico: How It Happened – In a historic move, New Mexico became the first state to pass a regulated access program for psychedelic therapy through its legislature in 2025. This session brings together key players behind the effort – Senator Jeff Steinborn (D-NM), Dominick Zurlo (Division Director, Medical Cannabis Program, New Mexico's Department of Health), and Adele Getty (Advocate and Director, Limina Foundation) – to share the untold story of how diverse stakeholders came together to shape and pass this precedent-setting legislation. Attendees will gain behind-the-scenes insight into coalition building, evidence-based education, implementation strategies that brought the bill to life – along with the challenges and lessons learned for future state-level reform. Nevada's Blueprint for Psychedelic Reform: A Bipartisan Model for Cultural and Legislative Change – As psychedelic reform gains momentum, Nevada is pioneering a unique approach that could inspire other states. Kate Cotter (Executive Director, Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines), Jon Dalton (Co-Founder and President, Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines), and Diane Goldstein (a retired police lieutenant and Executive Director of Law Enforcement Action Partnership) will reveal how unlikely allies joined forces in Nevada to advance safe, regulated access to psychedelics. From forging coalitions across the political spectrum to integrating grassroots support, they'll share successes and challenges from Nevada's journey — and how to balance advocacy and education in a way that can drive reform in other states. Indigenous Leadership and Healing in the Natural Medicine Movement – Psychedelic policy is not just about science and law; it's also about honoring the cultures that have stewarded sacred medicines for generations. Regina Randall (Founder and Chair of the Alaska Entheogenic Awareness Council), along with Indigenous leaders and advocates David Karabelnikoff and Richard Porter (Executive Director, Knik Tribe) will explore the intersection of indigenous knowledge and modern psychedelic policy reform, particularly focusing on the work being done in Alaska to decriminalize entheogenic plant medicines and establish a regulated medical access framework. This session will examine the vital role of Indigenous communities in shaping policy and ensuring that psychedelic practices respect traditional teachings - even while working within the constraints of the existing political system. Keeping Young People Safer in an Increasingly Post-Prohibition World — As psychedelics emerge from the underground into mainstream awareness, how do we keep young people informed, empowered, and safe? This dynamic panel combines established experts with emerging voices to trace the evolution of psychedelic public education: from DARE to Safety First to the new Before You Trip campaign focused on Gen Z and others newly exposed to psychedelics. Vilmarie Fraguda Narloch, PsyD (Director, Sana Healing Collective) will moderate a conversation between Kristin Nash, MPH (William G. Nash Foundation; Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education), Marsha Rosenbaum (Director Emerita, Drug Policy Alliance), and Ronan Wood to show how the Gen-Z-focused campaign uses data to inform sensible public health policy, taking another step toward a world with evidence-based drug education that actually keeps young people safer. Spiritual Gatekeeping: Navigating Faith and Law in Psychedelic Practice – What does it take to secure legal protection for sacred psychedelic practice? This session offers a first-hand look at the fight for religious exemptions, led by two lawyers at the forefront of this issue. Bob Jesse will moderate a panel with Taylor Loyden, whose client just received the first-ever exemption through the DEA's administrative process, and Martha Hartney, whose client settled with the federal government to secure its own religious rights just last year. These experts will unpack the current legal landscape under RFRA, draw on their direct experience working with the DEA and courts on behalf of psychedelic churches, and illuminate the precedents, pitfalls, and evolving policies that shape the landscape today. Going Forward: Challenging Misconceptions, Introducing Nuance, and Changing Public Opinion – Great ideas don't succeed on merit alone — winning public support is critical. In this data-driven session, researchers unveil fresh polling on American attitudes toward psychedelics and how strategic messaging can dispel stigma. Communication experts Matthew Goldberg, Ph.D. (Yale University) and Abel Gustafson, Ph.D. (University of Cincinnati) will present new survey findings showing what Americans really think about psychedelic therapy, where misconceptions run deepest, and which narratives are breaking through. They'll highlight which stories and statistics change minds, which demographics are most persuadable, and how advocacy groups can capitalize on shifting state by state. This session intends to offer attendees insights to build public support and momentum for policy change in their own context. Taking Responsibility through Restoration, Liberation, and 'Righter' Relationship – How can we participate in cultural renewal and collective liberation, even in the political sphere? Listen to two movement leaders answer this question by reflecting on their ongoing practice of weaving traditional ethical frameworks into psychedelic policy and the mainstream psychedelic community. Robert 'Roman' Haferd and Ariel Clark — seasoned lawyers of color and founding board members of the Psychedelic Bar Association — will report back from years of 'sensemaking' with dozens of BIPOC and Native land-based communities, reflect on the legal and ontological complexities of the psychedelic ecosystem, and invite the audience members to ask how existing systems can be utilized to center respect and responsibility toward our human and more-than-human relatives — including sacred plants. Visit to view the full schedule, register for workshops, and explore hotel and travel options. Workshop spaces are limited and available on a first-come basis. About Psychedelic Science Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), is the world's leading psychedelic conference. Returning to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from June 16-20, 2025, this five-day event brings together a global community of scientists, therapists, policymakers, cultural leaders, and advocates to explore the forefront of psychedelic research, therapy, and culture. Facilitated by Superfly, known for iconic events such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, PS2025 will feature expert speakers; hands-on workshops; and community activities including art, music, and mindfulness. We are proud to have offered over a thousand scholarships to support broad participation across the community. Since its inception in 2010, the Psychedelic Science conference series has fostered knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and community-building within the psychedelic ecosystem. Join thousands of attendees as we explore the transformative potential of psychedelics and shape the future of mental health, policy, and cultural understanding. For more information and registration details, visit and follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. ABOUT MAPS Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS' conference flagship, Psychedelic Science, has been the leading convening of the psychedelic community since 2010. MAPS incubated Lykos Therapeutics, a drug-development public benefit company, and the Zendo Project, a leader in psychedelic harm reduction. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $150 million to advance research, change drug policy, and evolve education in the field of psychedelics. CONTACT [email protected]
