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Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! This week, Brett and Norm dive into a jam-packed agenda, tackling the confusion and controversy swirling around the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) and its sweeping impact on everything from Medicaid work requirements to overtime tax exemptions and Social Security changes. The hosts pull back the curtain on how massive budget bills often bury major policy shifts with barely any time for lawmakers or the public to digest the details.
We also address the aftermath of the devastating Kerrville, Texas, flood, highlighting how tragedies are too quickly politicized, and reflect on the sad loss and confusion impacting hundreds of families. Plus, we look at ongoing drama surrounding the elusive Jeffrey Epstein client list, shake-up news from Elon Musk’s new “American Party,” and why JobsOhio’s secretive state contracts are raising eyebrows.
Closer to home, Brett and Norm break down the debate over pit bulls and public safety, the challenges facing Ohio’s middle class amidst rising property taxes, and troubling efforts to shield lawmakers’ emails and texts from public record requests.
With winners, losers, and some hard-hitting common sense, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real stories behind today’s headlines—and how they hit home in Ohio and beyond.
A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.
Moments
00:00 Medicaid Work Requirements Confusion
09:46 Social Security Tax Exemption Confusion
15:19 "Prioritize Recovery Over Investigations"
16:27 "Weather Service Staffing and Flood Response"
26:32 Theory on Epstein-Wexner Friendship
32:14 Strategic Senate Disruption Plan
34:30 Elon's Debt Reduction Strategy
40:03 Ohio Liquor Control Privatization Update
47:57 Governor DeWine Vetoes Property Tax Relief
52:32 Libertarian Views on Exotic Pets
58:12 Unintended Consequences of Big Cat Laws
01:01:11 "Driver Distracted Before Ohio Crash"
01:05:23 Supreme Court Backs Presidential Layoffs
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio
Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.
Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.
Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.
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