Implementing The Recovery

In 2020, we confronted the pandemic and made it through together. In 2021, we began setting the stage for recovery. NewDEAL Leaders are continuing the work to build a stronger society and economy and address the problems and inequalities laid bare by the pandemic. The Biden-Harris Administration has led the federal government in providing the funds and resources state and local governments need to recover, and NewDEAL Leaders are delivering tangible results for their communities and advancing policy solutions and programs to create a better life for all Americans. The NewDEAL supports their work by highlighting, promoting, and amplifying ideas and best practices, and by working to strengthen the partnerships between federal, state, and local elected leaders.

Check back each week for new policy recommendations, details on work done by NewDEALers, and recordings of events featuring thought leaders, experts, and NewDEALers on the ground.

The American Rescue Plan – Impact in the States

One Year Later
Ongoing Impact Addendum

As we look back on the year and a half since the passage of the American Rescue Plan, take a look at our reports for successes stories from across the country to see how investments from state and local officials from NewDEAL’s network of innovative leaders are not only changing the present, but building lasting change for millions of Americans.

Read Both Reports Here!

This week’s five stories on Implementing the Recovery in the States

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Connecticut: Senator James Maroney’s bill to create an AI regulatory framework advanced through the Senate with strong bipartisan support, aiming to establish basic requirements for companies deploying AI systems that influence decisions in key areas such as employment, housing, education, and healthcare. Maroney amended his bill to strike a balance in ensuring strong consumer protections without stifling innovation. “This is about protecting our residents, promoting the responsible use of AI, and making us a leader in efficient governance, as well as supporting our residents and giving them the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy,” he said.

CHILDCARE

Texas: Senator Cesar Blanco has authored a proposal for an innovative pilot program that would offer after-hours childcare to single parents who are enrolled in workforce training or classes, providing flexibility for more parents to pursue further education. The El Paso area that Blanco represents is dealing with long waitlists for childcare and sky-high rates, putting quality care out of reach for working parents.

ELECTIONS

Pennsylvania: House Speaker Joanna McClinton successfully advanced her comprehensive election administration bill out of the House in an effort to enhance both the security and accessibility of elections. Her bill would allow counties to pre-canvass mail-in ballots, help voters to “cure” their ballots by fixing mistakes, and implement new penalties and fines for election interference. It also creates more opportunities for voter participation, allowing for in-person early voting up to 11 days before an election and setting standards for drop boxes in all 67 counties.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Ohio: The police training community immersion program established with leadership from Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein is receiving recognition for “changing the landscape of how we look at police community relations here in Columbus.” Among the results, complaints about officers to the inspector general’s office decreased 11% in 2024. Over a dozen recruit cohorts have undergone the weeks-long program, which includes hands-on volunteer work at local nonprofits and exercises in identifying and implementing practical solutions to community issues.

YOUTH INVESTMENT

Ohio: Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval is making historic investments in the city’s youth, launching the Children’s Savings Account pilot program, which offers up to $500 in a 529 college savings account for qualifying low-income preschoolers. Another initiative to reduce youth crime and violence will expand summer programming for teens, from free skating at the waterfront to late-night gatherings at the recreation center. So far, 2025 has seen the lowest number of shootings in 15 years.

Tracking the Recovery database

Explore our new database of ways NewDEALers around the country are using stimulus funds to build back better and speed up the recovery as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explore the Database

The Equity Initiative

Hear from NewDEALers on how they’re tackling systemic injustice, and how they’re working to ensure we address discrimination at the core of our institutions in this historic time of disruption.

Explore the Initiative

How to Get and Use Infrastructure Funds for Climate Impact

The NewDEAL, in partnership with Third Way, hosted a virtual forum on February 15, 2022, focusing on how state and local leaders can maximize the impact of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on promoting clean energy and other climate solutions. Click below to read takeaways, or watch the recording of the event.

Featured speakers:

Elizabeth Noll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for House Affairs, Department of Energy;
Aimee Witteman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, Department of Energy;
Former U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu;
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Director of the Climate and Energy Program, Third Way;
Shalini Vajjhala, Executive Director, San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center;
NewDEAL Leader Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow;
Trenton Allen, Managing Director and CEO, Sustainable Capital Advisors;
and NewDEAL Leader Norfolk, VA Councilmember Andria McClellan

Read event takeaways here!

Improving Access to Affordable Housing

At our housing virtual forum on March 18, 2022, the NewDEAL convened elected officials with experts to discuss how state and local leaders can take meaningful actions on housing solutions to help with affordability in their communities. Click below to read quick takeaways from the event, or to view a recording.

Featured speakers:

Richard Cho, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
Paraag Sarva, CEO, Rhino;
Michela Zonta, Senior Policy Analyst for Housing Policy Center for American Progress;
and NewDEAL Leaders:
- Kansas City, MO Mayor Quinton Lucas;
- New Hampshire Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka;
- and Massachusetts Representative Andy Vargas.

Read event takeaways here!