Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist: Reducing Recidivism with Employment

This week, NewDEAL Leader Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist joined leaders from government, business, and law enforcement to announce a new proposal for a  “Job Court” pilot program. The program is a creative solution to decrease recidivism rates by making employment opportunities available for defendants accused of low-level, nonviolent crimes. The $5.5 million investment would give 450 eligible defendants good paying jobs and transferable career skills that will help them find jobs after their sentence. To read more about how this proposal could reduce recidivism and give Michiganders a second chance while also helping businesses staff up, read the article here.

Councilmember Derek Green: Public Banking Boosts Disadvantaged Businesses

In Philadelphia, NewDEAL Leader Councilmember Derek Green has been working for years on an innovative proposal to establish a city-run public bank in his city. In December, his proposal to establish the Philadelphia Public Finance Authority finally won committee approval and is set to be brought before the full Council early this year. If approved, the bank would elevate women and minority-owned businesses by making it easier for them to secure a loan and reducing racial disparities in business ownership. Read more about Councilmember Green’s proposal here, which took finalist honors in last year’s NewDEAL Ideas Challenge.

Senator Eric Lesser: New Future of Work Report in Massachusetts

A new report published by Massachusetts’ Future of Work Commission, which is chaired by NewDEAL Leader Senator Eric Lesser, calls for the state to double the rate at which it is training skilled workers. Lesser authored legislation to create the Commission based on his experience chairing the NewDEAL Forum’s Future of Work policy group, and he hopes the report will serve as a roadmap for his state to adapt and create economic opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Among the main takeaways from the report are the need for more funds for certificate programs and short-term training options, more flexible transportation options for those who are working hybrid or unusual schedules, additional funding for affordable housing stock, and an increased focus on diversity and inclusion in the workforce, including increased language training for immigrants. For more, see the Commission’s final report here.

Mayor Ron Nirenburg: A Model Job-Training Program

This week, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visited San Antonio, where he praised NewDEALer Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s Ready to Work program. The $200 million program has a goal to train 28,000 low-income residents for better paying jobs by the end of 2025. The program formally launched in May, and so far nearly 6,000 people have applied. During his visit, Secretary Walsh said “We need to be more intentional about investing in workforce development, and we need to be doing it with cities…Programs like Ready to Work should be replicated around the country.” Read more about the program here, and also check out the Labor Department’s Good Jobs Initiative, which is seeking to improve job quality nationwide.

Councilmember Raul Campillo: Expanded Paid Leave in San Diego

This week, New DEAL Leader San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo is leading the charge to expand paid parental leave for city workers, authoring a proposal to triple the amount available to them. If approved, paid leave will increase from four weeks to twelve weeks, allotting fourteen weeks if a C-Section is required. “It’s simply not enough time to only have four weeks,” Campillo said. “The last thing a city employee should have to worry about is rushing back to work right after having a child.” Campillo has emphasized that the cost of $5-6 million per year will be recovered through a decrease in staff turnover and overtime hours, while also addressing the crippling workforce vacancies — almost 1,700 — created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read more about the historic proposal.

Minority Leader Anthony Daniels: Historic Tax Reform Benefiting Alabama’s Workforce

NewDEAL Leader Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels has spearheaded key changes in Alabama’s tax structure. His groundbreaking legislation, was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, garnering 103 affirmative votes in the Republican supermajority state. House Bill 217 eliminates the state’s 5% income tax on overtime pay for Alabama’s hourly workers to not only incentivize overtime work but also provide an invaluable retention tool for businesses grappling with the tight labor market. Daniels praised the passage of the law, noting it as a crucial element of his ‘Plan for Prosperity’ — a strategic legislative agenda designed to uplift Alabamians amid economic uncertainty and inflation.

Mayor Luke Bronin: New Funding for Hartford Youth Program

On Tuesday, NewDEAL Leader Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin announced hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional funding for the city’s Summer Youth Employment and Learning program. The program, which works to connect the city’s youth with paid summer jobs, reaches about 800 young people each year. The funding boost will allow the city to expand the program in response to rising workforce needs. “The Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program gives young people a really important opportunity to earn a paycheck, build skills and work experience, and get connected to mentors and a network of support,” Bronin said. Bronin has long been a champion of youth engagement, spearheading the creation of Hartford’s award-winning Youth Service Corps early in his first term as mayor. He discussed the Youth Service Corps at NewDEAL’s 2023 Ideas Summit in Detroit. See the highlights here.

New Funding for Hartford Youth Program

On Tuesday, NewDEAL Leader Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin announced hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional funding for the city’s Summer Youth Employment and Learning program. The program, which works to connect the city’s youth with paid summer jobs, reaches about 800 young people each year. The funding boost will allow the city to expand the program in response to rising workforce needs. “The Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program gives young people a really important opportunity to earn a paycheck, build skills and work experience, and get connected to mentors and a network of support,” Bronin said. Bronin has long been a champion of youth engagement, spearheading the creation of Hartford’s award-winning Youth Service Corps early in his first term as mayor. He discussed the Youth Service Corps at NewDEAL’s 2023 Ideas Summit in Detroit. See the highlights here.

Minority Leader Anthony Daniels Drives a Historic Tax Reform Benefiting Alabama’s Workforce

NewDEAL Leader Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels has spearheaded key changes in Alabama’s tax structure. His groundbreaking legislation, was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, garnering 103 affirmative votes in the Republican supermajority state. House Bill 217 eliminates the state’s 5% income tax on overtime pay for Alabama’s hourly workers to not only incentivize overtime work but also provide an invaluable retention tool for businesses grappling with the tight labor market. Daniels praised the passage of the law, noting it as a crucial element of his ‘Plan for Prosperity’ — a strategic legislative agenda designed to uplift Alabamians amid economic uncertainty and inflation.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP – Michigan: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist – $10 million microloan program

ENTREPRENEURSHIP – Michigan: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced the launch of a $10 million microloan program for women, veterans, and entrepreneurs of color to start businesses throughout the state. The Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund, which is made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act’s expansion of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), aims to build the state’s economy by diversifying small businesses and supporting nontraditional entrepreneurs who may struggle to access traditional loans.

Subscribe

Recent News

‘We Are the Party of Freedom’: DNC Chair Jaime Harrison Marks 200th Episode of An Honorable Profession Podcast

NewDEAL Leaders Ron Nirenberg and Elizabeth Walters pen an op-ed for Newsweek.
LEARN MORE

NewDEAL Celebrates Voter Registration Month with 3-part Podcast Series

,
September is National Voter Registration Month, meaning there’s no better time to help people register...
LEARN MORE

It’s Not All About Trump. Republican Attacks on Democracy Are Local, Too

NewDEAL Leaders Ron Nirenberg and Elizabeth Walters pen an op-ed for Newsweek.
LEARN MORE

State and Local Leaders’ Guide to Carbon Dioxide Removal Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      September…
LEARN MORE