2018 Ideas Summit Breakout Sessions
SESSION 1: TUESDAY, 3:45 – 5:00 PM
The Future of Work: Portable Benefits (Microsoft A)
Security and prosperity for more Americans in today’s economy requires expanding access to basic benefits, like health care and retirement savings, for the increasing number of workers who don’t receive them through their jobs. Washington State has been at the forefront of this challenge with the introduction of portable benefits legislation and an effort by Uber and SEIU to find a solution for gig economy workers. Join NewDEAL Leader Maryland Delegate Andrew Platt, Caleb Weaver from Uber, and Lani Todd, Legislative and Public Policy Director for SEIU 775, to discuss the path forward to a safety net that meets the demands of the changing nature of work.
Civic Tech: Bringing Government into the 21st Century (Microsoft B)
As policymakers wrestle with the challenges caused by an economy transformed by innovation and new technology, they must also take advantage of these forces to adapt government to meet the evolving needs of citizens. This session will explore ways government leaders can maximize the impact of new technology and big data to save money, make more-informed decisions, and improve the lives of the people they serve. For a conversation on innovative approaches, join NewDEAL Leader Nassau County, NY Comptroller Jack Schnirman, former CTO of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Marina Martin, and Vivian Graubard, Director of Strategy for Public Interest Technology at New America and former chief of staff to the U.S. Chief Technology Officer in the White House.
Opportunity Zones (Microsoft C)
The recently created federal Opportunity Zone program provides a new avenue for state and local governments to incentivize long-term private investment in low-income communities. Join one of the architects of this program, NewDEAL board member Steve Glickman from the Economic Innovation Group, as well as NewDEAL Leader Boise City Councilmember Lauren McLean, who is one of many NewDEAL Leaders pursuing the benefits of this program in their communities, for a discussion of how to spur investments that reduce poverty and inequality.
Resiliency of Critical Infrastructure (Boardroom)
From increasing extreme weather events to the constant news of cyberattacks, our critical infrastructure must be more resilient, and resilient in more ways, than ever. These threats mean the key systems upon which all Americans rely, from health providers and the power grid to transportation infrastructure, continuously face new and dangerous challenges. Join an official from the port of Seattle and NewDEAL Leader Norfolk City Councilmember Andria McClellan for a session that will examine steps policymakers can take to strengthen and secure vital assets in their communities.
SESSION 2: WEDNESDAY, 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Government’s Role in the Sharing Economy (Microsoft A)
As we have seen repeatedly in the digital age, new technology has the potential to vastly improve our quality of life and create countless new jobs. Government has the opportunity to encourage these improvements, but also a responsibility to ensure the public’s safety and security as the way they buy and receive services changes dramatically. In this session, NewDEAL Leader Phoenix Councilmember Kate Gallego and CALinnovates Executive Director Kish Rajan will join Vikrum Aiyer of Postmates to lead a conversation about how different states and localities are approaching a new regulatory framework for emerging technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, ridesharing and Airbnb.
Expanding the Political Map (Microsoft B)
Over the course of nearly a decade lasting through the 2016 election. Democrats lost nearly 1000 seats in state legislatures — a sign of the Party’s struggles up and down the ballot and inability to attract a wide range of voters. NewDEAL Leaders Arkansas Representative Warwick Sabin and Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels will share their observations from states that have shifted heavily to the GOP. Join them to discuss the agenda and tactics required for Democrats to broaden their appeal to regions that are traditionally more conservative, not only in the Heartland and the South, but also in red areas in all states.
Reimagining Education for the New Economy (Microsoft C)
It has been said that there has never been a better time to enter the workforce with the right skills, but also never a worse time to be without those skills in an era when so many old jobs have been lost to automation and outsourcing, replaced by jobs that require a higher level of education and training. How can we transform an education system that was built for an agrarian society and modified for the industrial age to one that best prepares our youth to thrive in this both exciting and challenging world? Join Scott Nine, Deputy Director for Strategy and Program for the National Public Education Support Fund, NewDEAL Leader West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon, and Lindsay Dworkin, Director of Policy Development and State Government Relations at the Alliance for Excellent Education, to tackle this critical question.
Financial Empowerment to Increase Economic Security (Boardroom)
In an era of rising inequality and an outdated social safety net, huge numbers of people across the country lack financial stability. Nearly half of Americans cannot afford a $400 emergency expense and relatively few are saving significantly for retirement. Finding everyone a well-paying job and stable career is an ideal goal, but not an immediate solution. What other options do policymakers have to address economic insecurity for workers and retirees? To discuss this question and a range of answers to financial instability, join NewDEAL Leader Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Adam Ruben, campaigns director for the Economic Security Project, which is advancing cash-based policies, including a modernized and expanded Earned-Income Tax Credit, to end poverty and rebuild the middle class.
