AL.com: State Rep. Anthony Daniels: I wasn’t sure about the vaccine, then I got COVID

Not too long ago we couldn’t get enough vaccines. Today, we can’t get enough people to take them.

In a matter of weeks, the problem facing America’s state and local governments has evolved from lack of supply to waning demand. Communities are now awash in vaccine doses, but the lines are gone and the phones have stopped ringing. Meanwhile, we’re trying new and creative ways – from incentives to public outreach campaigns — to reach hesitant communities.

Simply put, the shot in the arm needs a “shot in the arm.”

But this isn’t a PR campaign. It’s a true story. It’s my true story.
It began in December. Like many, my family and I were looking forward to the holiday season and the promise of the new year. Our home state of Alabama had been hard hit by COVID-19, a virus that unfortunately many did not take as seriously as they should have from the start. But throughout 2020, we’d been diligent in our efforts to avoid the virus by social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands. And it seemed to be paying off. Even as we began to hear of breakthroughs in vaccine development and the potential for widespread vaccine availability in the spring, I wasn’t 100 percent sold.
Maybe I would just wait and see. Maybe I didn’t need it. At 38, I liked my chances.
Unfortunately, before the vaccine even became available, I got COVID-19. At first, it was like a cold. I resorted to my bedroom and spent Christmas day watching my children open their presents via FaceTime. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Severe fever, body aches, nausea, and an inability to eat had sent me to the emergency room. For about a week, I was on my back, pretty much unable to do anything. At times, I wondered if I would make it.

The 74: Parent & Reed: Recommendations from a State Senator and a Mayor for Aligning Education with the Workforce & Boosting Students’ COVID Recovery

Each day, we see signs that our country is coming back from the damage done by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment has fallen from its peak, and many schools have reopened. With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, more families can pay their rent and put food on the table.

But as a nation, we still have a long way to go. While the pandemic affected everyone, some Americans are bearing a disproportionate share of its impact because of systemic inequities that long pre-date this crisis. Simply put, low-income families and families of color have been hit hardest.

We cannot simply aim for a return to last spring’s status quo. We must use this opportunity to address some of our nation’s most intractable and long-standing issues. This is especially true when it comes to providing educational opportunities that prepare all Americans for success.

We are co-chairs of a working group of state and local elected officials and policy experts sponsored by The NewDEAL Forum, which has spent the last year working on policies to better align the future of education with workforce opportunities, with support from the Alliance for Excellent Education. The group was forced to pivot to crisis response in the midst of the pandemic, but COVID-19 also underscored the vital importance of our original mission.

Adults with the lowest levels of education have faced the greatest and longest-lasting job losses. Since March 2020, the jobless rate for people with a bachelor’s degree has never gone above 8.4 percent, whereas for people with a high school degree but no college, that rate reached 17.3 percent.

NewDEAL Statement: Juneteenth 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17 , 2021

Contact: Karlton Laster, 202-660-1340 x6

NewDEAL Honors Juneteenth

Washington — The NewDEAL celebrates Juneteenth as both a recognition of when the last enslaved Black Americans in Texas gained word of emancipation on June 19, 1865, and as a reminder of the continued pursuit for racial equity and justice for the Black community. This important day provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress our country has made, as well as to recognize the critical work that lies ahead to root out the systemic racism that still permeates so many aspects of our society.

We are proud that NewDEALers have demonstrated the leadership required to champion equal rights and actionable policies that support Black Americans. Across the country, NewDEALers are fostering a more inclusive and equitable community where they live. Their work includes Richmond, Virginia Mayor Levar Stoney’s efforts to draft an equity agenda and an anti-hate ordinance that would remove Confederate statues; St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’s launch of police reform and racial equity measures, and her announcement of Juneteenth as a city holiday after her recent election as the first Black woman to lead her city.

Additionally, we recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Black communities and that our ongoing response to the pandemic is crucial in achieving justice for Black Americans. There are models for actions, including the “Making Real Change” campaign launched by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist to increase vaccination rates in communities of color and combat vaccine hesitancy in Michigan. In New Jersey, a proposal from Senator Troy Singleton bill would establish a program to provide grant funding and technical assistance to support the development of minority-owned businesses, and in Cincinnati, Mayor John Cranley has proposed to invest $40 million in Black-owned businesses over five years, starting with an initial $5 million allocation from the city’s American Rescue Plan funding.

We stand today with NewDEAL Leaders, and with the Black community, in recognizing that Black Lives Matter, and we recommit to supporting the fight for justice and equity for all Americans. We look forward to continuing to elevate the state and local policy ideas that will ensure access to equal opportunity.
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For more perspective, check out past conversations that the NewDEAL has hosted on Juneteenth and racial equity, including events featuring Bakari Sellers and Michael Smith, as well as Jamal Simmons in conversation with Mayor Jones and other NewDEALers at our 2021 Ideas Summit. Recent episodes of our podcast, An Honorable Profession, have featured guests such as Pennsylvania Representative Jordan Harris, Montgomery County Maryland Councilmember, Will Jawando, and U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. with NewDEALer Amanda Edwards.

 

About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is equitable and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.   

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Wall Street Journal: 10 Big Ideas to Improve Life in Small and Midsize Cities

America’s municipalities have always been test labs for innovation. As the pandemic begins to ebb in the U.S., we look at a handful of programs that proponents hope will spread across the country.
For those who want to know what the U.S. might look like in 20 years, a look at a handful of small and midsize cities offers clues. As mayors look to plug holes in their budgets, help people who lost their jobs or work to fix crumbling infrastructure, they are turning to ideas that would have been unthinkable a few decades ago. They are testing ambitious social programs including universal incomes and reparations, adding sensors to everything from sewers to streetlights, and testing self-driving shuttles.
America’s cities have always been test labs for new ideas, but the Covid-19 pandemic has sped up the pace of innovation. The pandemic created a “sense of urgency” to address problems such as economic inequality, lack of child care and spotty internet access, says Debbie Cox Bultan, chief executive of NewDEAL, a network of progressive elected officials.

NewDEAL Statement: Pride Month 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             

June 3, 2021                          

Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5

NewDEAL Statement: Pride Month 2021

 

Washington, D.C. — The NewDEAL has released the following statement celebrating Pride Month 2021:

In honor of Pride Month, we recognize the history, achievements, and leadership of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Americans. LGBTQIA+ communities have demonstrated incredible resilience and courage in the fight for equality and this month provides an important opportunity to reflect on the encouraging progress that has been made, as well as the important work that remains. 

As we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and strive to build back better by creating an economy and institutions that work for all Americans, we must be mindful of the struggle for equity and justice for LGBTQIA+ Americans and ensure that our efforts reflect the ongoing struggle for their civil rights. 

The NewDEAL has been fortunate to benefit from the contributions of LGBTQIA+ NewDEAL Leaders and supporters. The fight for much needed equity and inclusive LGBTQIA+ policies begins at the state and local level. 

We are proud that NewDEALers are trailblazers for the LGBTQIA+ community and outspoken advocates for LGBTQIA+ issues, including Pete Buttigieg, who broke barriers as the first openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana, during his historic presidential campaign in 2020, and by becoming the first openly gay cabinet-level secretary. They are also leaders like State Senator Sarah McBride, the first transgender state senator in U.S. history, who before taking office successfully advocated for passage of non-discrimination legislation and is now purusing bold proposals for all Delaware families. In Maine, Representative Ryan Fecteau passed bipartisan legislation to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy and has become the youngest and first openly gay Speaker of the House. 

These efforts continue today, with Leaders working to ban anti-trans health insurance discrimination and protect access to gender affirming treatment in Washington, and to assist LGBTQIA+ veterans in New Jersey who were discharged solely due to their gender identity or sexuality, expanding their access to veteran’s benefits and support. 

We look forward to continuing to elevate the tremendous leadership of members of LGBTQIA+ communities and the state and local policy ideas that will ensure their access to equal justice and opportunity.

About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is equitable and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.   

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The Well News: Debbie Cox Bultan: To Build Back Better, Look to the States

The continued implementation of the American Rescue Plan across the country reflects exactly the type of bold and aggressive action from Washington that candidate Biden promised when he told the country how he would lead us through this challenging time. It also illuminates the huge role that leaders outside Washington will play in determining whether we achieve President Biden’s mission to Build Back Better.

First, the plan allocates hundreds of billions of dollars that were just released to state and local governments, giving leaders the opportunity to shape their communities’ economic recovery and enact transformational changes in areas like education, broadband, housing, child care, and more. Leaders at the state and local levels will determine whether our country moves quickly and boldly to make real the promise of that funding.

Second, united Republican opposition reminds us that to drive progress on a host of issues, and make long-term investments in our recovery, Democrats will also need to invest in fighting political battles playing out in statehouses and city halls. Democrats would do well to remember the hard lessons of 2010, when crushing down-ballot losses led to regressive policies. Many of those battles are still being fought in states today. Twenty-four states enacted voter ID and other measures that prevent disadvantaged populations from voting; 12 states still refuse to expand Medicaid; and only four states are spending more money on education per student now than they were before 2010.

Suburban Times: Strickland, Coons, Benjamin Announced as Honorary Chairs of NewDEAL

The NewDEAL announced On May 13 that Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Senator Chris Coons (DE), and Mayor Steve Benjamin (Columbia, SC) are new honorary chairs of the organization, which identifies, cultivates, and provides policy support to a network of 175 rising state and local Democrats. The new leadership team will have a two-year term and takes over from long-time honorary chairs: Senator Mark Warner (VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell.

Coons, Strickland, and Benjamin will help guide the pro-growth progressive network as it focuses on promoting and spreading policy ideas for “building back better” and creating a more equitable society, while also providing its members with a community of fellow public officials and thought leaders as they advance in public service. NewDEAL Leaders are selected for their innovative, forward-thinking approach to expanding economic opportunity, and will work with the chairs to elevate best practices, aiming to influence other state and local governments as well as Washington.

Dozens of NewDEALers have ascended to higher office during the last few years. Past members include Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Stacey Abrams, Jason Kander, and six leaders who have been elevated to the U.S. House and Senate since 2018, such as Strickland.

Politico: NewDEAL names new chairs

FIRST IN HUDDLE – Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), and Columbia, S.C., Mayor Steve Benjamin have been named honorary chairs of NewDEAL, an organization supporting rising Democratic stars in state and local government across the country. They’ll have a two-year term and will address the organization’s leaders and partners at its virtual Ideas Summit later this month.

“One lesson I learned during my 10 years in county government is that state and local officials solve problems,” said Coons, who got his start in county government in Delaware.

WDEL: Sen. Coons replaces ex-Gov. Markell as leader of national progressive organization

Delaware Senator Chris Coons will step into a role held by former Governor Jack Markell leading a national progressive organization.

Coons has been promoted from Honorary Regional Chair to Honorary Chair of NewDEAL, which its website describes as “a national network of rising state and local elected leaders who are pro-growth progressives.”

NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan told WDEL that Coons brings a lot of useful traits to the organization, that looks to connect politicians to policy and private sector leaders.

“He’s such a leader on so many issues from service to workforce development to many more. We’re really looking forward to having his partnership and his mentorship for these state and local leaders throughout the country.”

“Help the leaders around the country talk to each other, share with each other best practices, a lot of leaders are looking at broadband, child care, and housing as places were some of that investment needs to be made to make transformational change going forward.”

In a statement, Coons said learning from those at other levels of government can be key, even from a position of Senator.

“One lesson I learned during my 10 years in county government is that state and local officials solve problems. At this historic time, the efforts of state and local leaders will be critical to our recovery, and we will build back better and stronger when we can share ideas and learn from one another. I’m excited to work with the NewDEAL Leaders to tackle the country’s biggest challenges, while also developing our next generation of leaders.”

Bultan said that mentoring will be key during his two-year term.

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Sen. Coons, Rep. Strickland, Mayor Benjamin Announced as Honorary Chairs of NewDEAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2021
Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5

Sen. Coons, Rep. Strickland, Mayor Benjamin Announced as Honorary Chairs of NewDEAL

Will guide network of innovative state and local officials as they focus on pandemic recovery and racial equity

Washington, D.C. – The NewDEAL announced today that Senator Chris Coons (DE), Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Mayor Steve Benjamin (Columbia, SC) are new honorary chairs of the organization, which identifies, cultivates, and provides policy support to a network of 175 rising state and local Democrats. The new leadership team will have a two-year term and takes over from long-time honorary chairs Senator Mark Warner (VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell.

The chairs will address NewDEAL Leaders and partners on May 26 at the Ideas Summit, a virtual event that will also celebrate the organization’s tenth anniversary. Plenary and breakout sessions will address a series of topics related to the pandemic recovery, with additional panel discussions reflecting on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and the state of American democracy. Throughout the event, participants will explore opportunities to maximize the impact of state and local government funds from the American Rescue Plan that were released this week by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

“One lesson I learned during my 10 years in county government is that state and local officials solve problems,” said Coons, who got his start in government as County Council President and County Executive in New Castle, Delaware. “At this historic time, the efforts of state and local leaders will be critical to our recovery, and we will build back better and stronger when we can share ideas and learn from one another. I’m excited to work with the NewDEAL Leaders to tackle the country’s biggest challenges, while also developing our next generation of leaders.”

Coons, Strickland, and Benjamin will help guide the pro-growth progressive network as it focuses on promoting and spreading policy ideas for “building back better” and creating a more equitable society, while also providing its members with a community of fellow public officials and thought leaders as they advance in public service. NewDEAL Leaders are selected for their innovative, forward-thinking approach to expanding economic opportunity, and will work with the chairs to elevate best practices, aiming to influence other state and local governments as well as Washington.

Dozens of NewDEALers have ascended to higher office during the last few years. Past members include Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Stacey Abrams, Jason Kander, and six leaders who have been elevated to the U.S. House and Senate since 2018, such as Strickland.

“The COVID crisis has spotlighted the vital role of state and local leaders in coming up with innovative, practical solutions to the country’s biggest challenges, as well as the impact of effective federal-state-local government collaboration,” said Strickland, who was a member of NewDEAL as Mayor of Tacoma, Washington. “As funds I fought to secure in the American Rescue Plan for state, local, and tribal governments are finally disbursed, I cannot imagine a more critical time to support this network so we can work together to support jobs, families and workers as we get our nation back on track.”

“As a proud long-time NewDEAL Leader, I am honored to tackle this new role at a time when NewDEAL Leaders are on the frontlines of simultaneous crises around public health, the economy, racial justice, and climate change,” said Benjamin, who recently served as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and will continue to be an honorary chair of NewDEAL after his term expires in Columbia at the end of this year. “With a true partner to state and local leaders in the White House, NewDEALers have more potential than ever to develop and spread good policy that gets to the root of the many crises we face.”

NewDEAL Leaders also participate in task forces created by its sister organization — the NewDEAL Forum — that develops and supports implementation of policy recommendations to address issues like education, the future of work, climate change, affordable housing, and broadband access.

“Senator Coons, Congresswoman Strickland, and Mayor Benjamin epitomize the type of leadership that NewDEAL was created to foster,” said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “They are thoughtful and effective leaders who understand how the world is changing and have a practical approach to the unprecedented challenges facing our country. Their partnership will be invaluable as our members advance the Biden Administration agenda to build back from the pandemic with a stronger and more equitable economy.”

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About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is equitable and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.

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