Can Washington’s shutdown revive federalism? | Jennifer Butler

A 43-day federal shutdown exposed how fragile state programs become when Washington can’t keep the lights on. In this episode, Nic Dunn is joined by Jennifer Butler, Senior Policy Advisor for the Center for Practical Federalism at the State Policy Network, along with Sutherland’s Bill Duncan and Christine Cooke Fairbanks. They unpack what the shutdown reveals about over-reliance on federal dollars, the hidden power of federal “guidance” letters, and how states can reclaim control in education, constitutional governance, and core safety-net programs. The panel also explores why federalism is common sense, why some states succeed while others fail, and how to make the case for a bipartisan revival of state-led innovation.

Show notes:

• Center for Practical Federalism
• Measuring the cost of federal guidance in Utah
• Government shutdown and the demise of the U.S. Department of Education

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.