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Public Opposes Expanding Presidential Power to Control Independent Agencies, Block Federal Spending, Replace Civil Servants

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COLLEGE PARK, Md., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the midst of current debates about expanding Presidential authority, a new survey by the Program for Public Consultation finds majority opposition among the public.

Large majorities (65-69%) – bipartisan in all but one case – oppose putting seven currently independent agencies under direct Presidential control.A bipartisan majority of two-thirds (67%) say Presidents should not be able to unilaterally remove the independence of agencies.Over six in ten (63%) oppose Presidents having the authority to unilaterally block federal spending, by impounding funds allocated by legislation.A majority (55%) opposes reclassifying many civil servants to make it easier for Presidents to fire and replace them.

These are some of the findings of a new in-depth survey by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC), fielded March 4-7, 2025 with a representative sample of 1,249 adults nationwide.

“Though Americans have many frustrations with the federal government, the large majority of Americans do not seem to see giving Presidents more power as the answer,” commented Steven Kull, Director of PPC.

Respondents evaluated strongly stated arguments for and against expanding Presidential authority, over independent agencies and federal spending. The arguments against did better, especially those that focused on how centralizing more power in the Presidency risks corruption and politicization of essential government functions, and undermines the Constitution’s separation of powers. Large bipartisan majorities found those arguments convincing.

The arguments in favor of expanding Presidential authority – that doing so would better allow Presidents to fulfill their agenda, which the people voted for, and take power away from unaccountable – were found convincing by smaller and less bipartisan majorities.

Presidential Authority Over Independent Agencies
Respondents were asked to evaluate seven currently independent agencies, as to whether they should be put under the direct control of Presidents, who would then have the power to change or overturn agency decisions and fire commissioners. Large majorities favor keeping the independence of the Federal Communications Commission (66%), Federal Trade Commission (66%), Securities and Exchange Commission (67%), National Labor Relations Board (65%), the Federal Reserve’s regulatory functions (67%), the Federal Election Commission (69%), and the Office of Special Counsel (67%).

Support for continuing agencies’ independence includes at least three-quarters of Democrats (75-80%) and around the same percent of independents (72-79%). Among Republicans, majorities support continuing the independence for six agencies (52-57%), while their views are divided over the Federal Trade Commission, with 50% favoring independence and 49% Presidential control.

Asked who should have the authority to remove the independent status of agencies, a bipartisan majority of 67% favor keeping that authority with Congress, rather than Presidents gaining the power to do so unilaterally. This includes majorities of Democrats (81%), Republicans (52%), and independents (73%).

Presidential Authority to Impound Federal Funds
Respondents were asked whether they favor Presidents having the authority to unilaterally block federal spending, by impounding funds that have been allocated through legislation, or if Presidents should continue to have to get Congressional approval to modify spending. A majority (63%) do not support Presidents having impoundment authority, including 80% of Democrats and 69% of independents. Among Republicans, a modest majority of 53% supports Presidents having the authority, with generational differences: a majority of Republicans under age 45 are in favor, while those 45 and over are divided.

Allow Presidents to More Easily Fire and Replace Civil Servants
Respondents were asked about a proposal to change the rules for hiring and firing civil servants, so that, under the direction of Presidents, workers could be fired more easily, and new ones hired without going through a competitive process based on skills and experience. A majority of 55% oppose this proposal, including large majorities of Democrats and independents (71% and 66%, respectively). A majority of Republicans are in favor (63%).

The argument against the proposal – that it could politicize and corrupt the workforce, decrease expertise, and worsen government performance – was found convincing by a large bipartisan majority. The argument in favor – that the federal workforce is made up of too many unaccountable bureaucrats who hinder Presidents’ ability to fulfill their agenda – did not do as well, though a majority found it at least somewhat convincing.

Read Complete ReportQuestionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs and MethodologyTry the Executive Authority Policymaking Simulation

About the Survey
The survey was a “public consultation survey” in which respondents are provided briefings and evaluate arguments for and against each proposal. Content was written using the assistance of LLMs, and reviewed to ensure that the briefings are accurate and balanced and that the arguments presented are the strongest ones being made.

The survey was fielded March 4-7, 2025 with 1,249 adults nationally. Samples were obtained from multiple online opt-in panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, gender, education, income, marital status, and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 3.0% and the response rate for the sample is 8.8%.

About the Program for Public Consultation
The Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, develops and conducts public consultation surveys, seeking to improve democratic governance by consulting representative samples of citizens on key public policy issues. It shares its findings with officials in government, the media, other academics, and the general public.

CONTACT: Taylor Ancell, Taylor.Ancell@WardCircleStrategies.com

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SOURCE Program for Public Consultation

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Casio and ROLI Bring Innovative Piano Learning Experience to the Next Generation of Musicians

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55 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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ROLI Learn for CASIO combines Casio keyboards with interactive lessons, licensed songs, and
gamified instruction tailored for today’s first-time musicians

ROLI Learn for CASIO combines compatible keyboards with interactive lessons, licensed songs and gamified learning tools.Casio and ROLI launch a connected platform supporting creativity, self-guided learning and musical growth for all skill levels.Available in five launch markets and on both iOS and Android, ROLI Learn for CASIO provides access to more than 1,200 songs and 350+ guided lessons.

ROCKAWAY, N.J., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Casio, a global leader in electronic musical instruments, today announced a strategic partnership with Luminary ROLI Limited, the UK-based music technology innovator known for reimagining how people learn, create, and experience music.

The collaboration launches with ROLI Learn for CASIO, an interactive music-learning platform that helps beginners quickly experience the rewards of making real music.

Available beginning today in the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K., and Japan for iOS and Android devices, the app provides compatible Casio keyboard users with access to the award-winning ROLI Learn platform via a connected learning ecosystem focused on creativity, engagement, and self-expression.

Built on the idea that modern musicians learn differently than previous generations, ROLI Learn for CASIO combines licensed music, interactive lessons, and gamified progression to help first-time players start making music immediately. Compatible Casio instruments include Privia PX-S series, CDP-S360, and select Casiotone and CELVIANO models when paired with the WU-BT10 Bluetooth® MIDI & Audio Adapter, with additional models planned for the future.

The platform includes:

More than 1,200 songs from an expanding licensed music library, with 50 Casio exclusives300+ interactive video lessons with four expert instructors450+ chord and scale exercisesMultiple learning modes progressing from gamified play to traditional notationProgressive lessons that guide players toward music-reading skills

“The future of music products is in the connected experience, adapting to where you are in your journey and keeping you inspired to learn, create, and play,” said Brian Piccolo, Senior General Manager for Casio’s Sound and Innovation Division. “Today’s musicians want to start playing recognizable music quickly, interact visually with technology, and feel creatively rewarded from the very beginning. Our collaboration with ROLI enables Casio to deliver a music-making experience that feels modern, approachable, personalized, and inspiring.”

“Having grown up with Casio products since childhood, what truly inspires me about Casio is how it has invented amazing new technologies and devices and then turned them into beautifully designed products that get more and more accessible over time,” said Roland Lamb, founder of ROLI. “I am delighted to collaborate with Casio, a company that has consistently created new musical cultures and lifestyles.”

Casio views the collaboration as part of a broader effort to encourage long-term musical engagement among beginner players by making music learning more accessible, motivating, and creatively rewarding.

Pricing and Availability
ROLI Learn for CASIO is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Users receive a 30-day free trial, followed by subscription options at $14.99 per month or $119 per year.

For more information about ROLI Learn for CASIO, visit: https://www.casio.com/us/electronic-musical-instruments/app/rolilearnforcasio/

To learn more about the Casio and ROLI collaboration, visit: https://www.casio.com/us/electronic-musical-instruments/brands/interview/rolicasio/

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Rockaway, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casio.com/us.

About ROLI
ROLI is a human-centric music technology company, with a mission to ‘free the music’. ROLI has established itself as a leading innovator in music technology, with pioneering breakthroughs including Seaboard, BLOCKS, Piano M, Airwave, and a pivotal role in establishing MPE. See ROLI.com for more information.

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SOURCE Casio America, Inc.

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AI Enablement Through Human Skills: New Learning-Focused AI Center of Excellence to Help Organizations Advance from AI Experimentation to Measurable Business Performance

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55 minutes ago

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June 11, 2026

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AXIOM Learning Solutions, experts in workforce skills development, introduces new focus to support AI enablement strategy and workforce capability development to help organizations focus and realize value from AI investments.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AXIOM Learning Solutions (AXIOM) today announced the launch of a specialized practice area focused on helping organizations address one of the most common and difficult challenges of the AI era: turning AI activity into sustained capability.

“Using AI tools doesn’t necessarily create value. We’re focused on the skills development and performance support that’s needed to make AI a practical and measurable contributor to business performance.”

The AXIOM AI Center of Excellence addresses the reality of AI adoption: in many cases, employees are using AI tools, teams are piloting new processes and new applications, and leaders are making budget decisions with AI enablement in mind. But many companies lack the structure, workforce readiness, implementation support, and iterative improvement structures necessary to show meaningful value from AI investments. Through this team, AXIOM assists organizations in closing the gap between AI initiatives, human skills, and business goals, with skills development and workforce learning services that meet companies wherever they are on their AI journey.

“People everywhere are using AI, but use of the tools doesn’t necessarily create value,” explained AXIOM partner Jason Ruff. “The real opportunity is helping the workforce to use AI effectively and responsibly in the ways that add the most value to the business. Our AI enablement practice is designed to focus on the skills and support that are needed to make AI a more practical and measurable contributor to business performance.”

The AI Center of Excellence builds on AXIOM’s established strengths in learning and development contingent staffing, strategic consulting, custom learning content, and training delivery. Through the new offering, AXIOM will support clients in four core areas:

AI needs assessment: Identify current AI activity, readiness gaps, workforce capability needs, and opportunities for business impact.

Prioritization and roadmap support: Help leaders focus on the AI use cases and initiatives which have the most compelling and likely effect on productivity, quality, decision-making, or other operational performance metrics.

Workforce enablement and skills development: Creating role-based training, learning content, workshops, playbooks, job aids, and other performance support to help employees use AI confidently and productively.

Implementation support, measurement, and iteration: Provide expert consultants to support learning program delivery, measurement, and to identify further opportunities to improve AI enablement over time.

AXIOM Learning Solutions is a learning services organization, and as such, the AI Center of Excellence is not a technology-driven offering. Instead, the approach centers on business performance and human skills, which is the core connection needed to connect AI-enabled process into business outcomes.

“Successful adoption of AI requires more than just the tools,” said AXIOM partner Herb Blanchard. “With the AI Center of Excellence, we’re able to connect the expertise of our consultant network with companies who are focused on translating AI into a long-term and meaningful source of competitive advantage.”

AXIOM’s AI Center of Excellence is available to support organizations of all sizes, in any industry, and at any stage of AI adoption. Services may be delivered as targeted consulting engagements, training and enablement initiatives, content development projects, implementation support, staff augmentation, or ongoing AI enablement support.

For more information about AXIOM’s AI Center of Excellence, visit https://www.axiomlearningsolutions.com/ai-center-of-excellence.

About AXIOM Learning Solutions

AXIOM Learning Solutions helps organizations meet their learning and development goals through contingent L&D staffing, strategic consulting, custom learning content, and training delivery. With access to a broad network of learning and development professionals, AXIOM supports organizations that need to add capacity, close skills gaps, deliver projects quickly, and improve the performance of learning programs. To learn more, visit axiomlearningsolutions.com.

Media Contact

Scott Rutherford, AXIOM Learning Solutions, 1 5089831410, srutherford@axiomlearningsolutions.com, axiomlearningsolutions.com

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Globee® Awards for Impact, Now in Its 19th Year, Invite Government Agencies and Public Sector Organizations Worldwide to Nominate Their Achievements

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June 11, 2026

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Recognizing local, regional, and global achievements in public service, citizen engagement, digital transformation, community impact, innovation, and organizational excellence

SAN FRANCISCO, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Globee® Awards, organizers of merit-based, data-driven business awards programs with worldwide participation that recognize achievements across industries, announced that entries are currently being accepted for the 19th Annual Globee® Awards for Impact, inviting government agencies and public sector organizations worldwide to nominate their achievements for consideration.

Learn more and submit your entries at: https://globeeawards.com/impact/

Government agencies and public sector organizations play an important role in delivering services, improving communities, advancing innovation, and supporting economic and social development. The Globee® Awards for Impact recognize achievements demonstrating measurable outcomes and positive contributions across public service environments.

Open to public sector organizations worldwide, the awards recognize achievements from government departments, agencies, commissions, authorities, municipalities, regional organizations, and other public service entities operating at local, regional, national, and international levels.

The Globee® Awards for Impact recognize achievements across category groups including products and services, company and organization, individual and team, and brand, communication and creative. These recognitions are part of 10 awards programs that collectively reflect achievements across business, technology, leadership, innovation, and organizational impact.

Nominations are welcomed for local, regional, and global achievements, ensuring that impactful public sector initiatives and measurable outcomes at every level have the opportunity to be recognized.

Entries are evaluated through a merit-based, data-driven process involving participation from experienced professionals across multiple industries worldwide. Evaluations are conducted through a structured, consistent, and transparent framework based on defined scoring criteria.

Entries are open to government agencies and public sector organizations worldwide.

About the Globee® Awards

The Globee® Awards are organizers of merit-based, data-driven business awards programs with worldwide participation. Through 10 awards programs, the Globee® Awards recognize achievements across multiple industries and sectors. The programs use a structured evaluation approach involving participation from professionals across various industries.

Follow: @globeeawards

Hashtags: #GlobeeAwards #ImpactAwards #PublicSector #GovernmentInnovation #CitizenServices #DigitalGovernment #PublicService #Leadership #Innovation #GlobalRecognition

All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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SOURCE Globee Awards

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