Patch: Montco Commissioner Lawrence Earns National Recognition

NewDEAL Statement on Biden’s First 100 Days

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             

April 29, 2021                          

Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5

NewDEAL Statement on Biden’s First 100 Days

 

Washington, D.C. – NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan released the following statement marking 100 days of the Biden-Harris Administration:

“Last night, state and local leaders saw in full force the value of having a trusted partner in the White House.

“As NewDEAL Leaders and their colleagues continue to work on the frontlines in coming up with innovative solutions for the myriad issues caused by COVID-19, they now know that they are not on their own. From the success of public health efforts like the vaccination campaign to the critical targeted support for a robust economic recovery in the American Rescue Plan to the renewal of national leadership in combating climate change, we have seen the federal-state-local collaboration required for the country to build back better.

“NewDEALers are especially grateful to the President and allies in Congress for prioritizing relief for state and local budgets strained by the pandemic, as well as acting boldly on the important goals that have long guided NewDEAL Leaders’ policy work, as well as acting boldly on shared priorities like child poverty, addressing long-standing racial inequities and setting ambitious goals for slashing greenhouse gas emissions.

“With so much opportunity to use these difficult times to solve big challenges, we are excited to work with the President’s team, including long-time NewDEALer Secretary Pete Buttigieg, on implementing the Rescue Plan and urging Congress to act on proposals from the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan that the President outlined last night. We will especially encourage progress on providing the major infusion of federal resources necessary to support state and local efforts on modernizing our nation’s infrastructure, and on building on the work of NewDEALers and others to make early childhood education, college and paid family leave accessible for everyone.

“There is so much more work to do, but as the Biden-Harris Administration reaches this notable milestone, we are incredibly hopeful that we are on a path toward expanding opportunity equitably across the country.”

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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NewDEAL Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial & Verdict

The verdict announced in the Derek Chauvin trial this week provides a measure of justice for the murder of George Floyd, but must also serve as an opportunity for all of us to accelerate our efforts to address the systemic racism that remains prevalent throughout our society. The NewDEAL remains committed to supporting our members as they fight to build a more just nation in which Black Americans can live and work safely and those perpetrating violence against vulnerable communities are held accountable. We applaud the leadership of the many NewDEAL Leaders who are advancing law enforcement reforms at the state and local level, as well as those tackling racial injustice in all of our systems, and we look forward to continuing to offer them a platform to promote and spread their ideas across the country.

Click links below to see how NewDEAL Leaders & Alumni responded to this week’s verdict and the work that remains to be done:

NewDEAL Statement on President Biden’s Announcement of The American Jobs Plan

NewDEAL Statement on President Biden’s Announcement of The American Jobs Plan

Proposal Represents Transformational Investment in America’s States and Cities

Washington, D.C. – Today, the NewDEAL released the following statement on President Biden’s announcement of The American Jobs Plan:

Forward-thinking leaders across the country recognize how lack of investment in infrastructure has hurt our economic competitiveness and exacerbated inequality. We have seen many state and local initiatives to fund infrastructure projects that create jobs and support economic development, while also responding to the impacts of climate change, but a national strategy has long been desperately needed. President Biden’s infrastructure package represents the bold leadership required to revitalize, rebuild, and retool our economy, from making our transportation networks cleaner and more efficient to setting the vital goal of getting all Americans online, all while creating millions of jobs. In our moment of national crisis, as the pandemic deepens so many major challenges, the American Jobs Plan presents a unique opportunity to invest in a brighter future and it would provide an enormous boost to state and local leaders on the frontlines of these issues.

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About NewDEAL

NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), is a selective national network of state and local elected officials who are pro-growth progressives, with Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell. Members of the 160-person network covering 47 states have been chosen from among more than 1500 nominations over its nine-year history, and are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities. The network of rising leaders has included more than 20 who have ascended to higher office since the fall of 2018, such as five members elected to Congress during that time.

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Learn more about the NewDEAL at http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.

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NewDEAL Applauds Relief to States and Cities in American Rescue Plan

NewDEAL Applauds Relief to States and Cities in American Rescue Plan

COVID-19 Relief Addresses Key Concerns of Top State, Local Leaders

Washington, D.C. – With today’s vote on final passage by the U.S. House, the American Rescue Plan Act that heads to President Biden’s desk provides vital funding for states, counties, and municipalities to deal with the wide-ranging impacts of COVID-19. The legislation includes the top federal pandemic relief priorities of NewDEAL Leaders by allocating $350 billion to state, local, and tribal governments and ensuring flexibility for state and local leaders in using those funds to meet their most pressing challenges.

“The American Rescue Plan Act provides desperately-needed relief to state and local leaders who are on the frontlines responding to the many crises caused by the pandemic,” said NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “From keeping people safe to ensuring residents can stay in their homes to supporting businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, NewDEAL Leaders and so many of their colleagues across the country have stepped up with swift and effective actions even amid extraordinary budgetary pressures. With President Biden’s signature, these leaders will receive a huge boost in their ability to continue their efforts.

“In addition to appropriating desperately needed funding, this legislation includes two key differences from last year’s CARES Act that were prioritized by NewDEAL Leaders: (1) an ending to the requirement that governments spend stimulus money on new initiatives, which allows them to use the new federal funds to replace lost revenue, and (2) inclusion of funds for municipalities with fewer than 500,000 residents.

“NewDEAL is grateful for the leadership and vision of President Biden and Vice President Harris, as well as the hard work of Speaker Pelosi, Senator Schumer, and all of the members of Congress who recognized the critical role of state and local leaders in building back better. We continue to see what a difference it makes to have a partner in the White House who is committed to listening to and advocating for state and local officials.”

Other provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act that, in part, address NewDEAL’s 2021 federal policy recommendations include:

  • Increased health insurance affordability and access;

  • Emergency rental and housing assistance; and

  • A major investment in K-12 schools, including specific funds for summer enrichment, after-school programs, and education technology, all of which will help get students back into classrooms and address the learning loss crisis.

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About NewDEAL

NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), is a selective national network of state and local elected officials who are pro-growth progressives, with Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell. Members of the 160-person network covering 47 states have been chosen from among more than 1500 nominations over its nine-year history, and are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities. The network of rising leaders has included more than 20 who have ascended to higher office since the fall of 2018, such as five members elected to Congress during that time.

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Learn more about the NewDEAL at http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.

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NewDEAL Leaders Join New Democrat Coalition Members to Discuss COVID-19 Relief for Communities

Members of Washington’s congressional delegation joined Washington members of NewDEAL to address the most urgent challenges facing Washington state, local, and tribal governments, and the importance of the relief proposed by President Biden and House Democrats in their American Rescue Plan legislation.

The bill, which passed in the House on February 27, includes $350 billion to address budget shortfalls and prevent layoffs, as well as critical support specifically for schools, child care, and small businesses. However, key parts of the legislation are at risk in the Senate.

At the event, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (New Democrat Coalition Chair) and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (a New Democrat Coalition Member and NewDEAL alum) talked about the most important provisions for Washington in the current version of the bill, as well as their work as part of the New Democrat Coalition to ensure the American Rescue Plan is targeted at the country’s most pressing challenges. Joining them were Mayor Cassie Franklin (Everett, WA) and State Senate Majority Floor Leader Marko Liias (D-Lynwood), who spoke about the federal relief most needed to support their COVID response work and why it is vital that the final version of the bill includes direct aid to states and municipalities.

“Flexibility is vital, because then cities who know their communities and know the needs in their communities most closely, can address that directly.” – Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin

“Every single dollar that we receive in support we are pushing out the door to help families and neighbors that are struggling in this moment to build back, not just build back what we had, but build back better as we move forward.” – Senate Majority Floor Leader Marko Liias

“Let’s get America back to work in an equitable way.” – Congresswoman (NewDEAL Alumna) Marilyn Strickland

“The House passed the American Rescue Plan this weekend, which is comprehensive legislation to help end the COVID-19 pandemic, provide economic relief to workers and families, safely reopen our schools, and get Americans back to work safely.” – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene

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NewDEAL Statement on E-Rate Expansion to Support Remote Learning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     
February 24, 2021
Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5

NewDEAL Statement on E-Rate Expansion to Support Remote Learning

CEO Debbie Cox Bultan urges FCC to act urgently to make funds available for students’ home internet access

Washington, D.C. – After submitting comments to the Federal Communications Commission in support of the proposal to expand the E-Rate internet access program for students, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan released the below statement about the importance of the FCC moving swiftly to approve and implement this change while so many schools are conducting classes virtually full or part-time. You can find the full submission from the NewDEAL to the FCC here.

“Even in times of ‘normal’ in-person schooling, students without high-speed internet suffer from a huge disadvantage, and this disadvantage is disproportionately felt among historically marginalized groups,” said Bultan. “These students are now affected not only by their inability to participate in school fully or, in some cases, at all, but also by their families’ lack of access to telehealth appointments and job opportunities. One immediate way to improve the education and quality of life of underserved students is to use the already existing E-Rate program to support them.

“The NewDEAL thanks Acting FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel for her support of expanding E-Rate funds to help students with virtual learning, and we urge the Commission to move urgently to approve this change. After a year of virtual education for so many students we cannot afford to wait to bring all federal, state, and local resources to bear to address the digital divide.”

The NewDEAL’s comments on the FCC proposal build on the work of its sister organization, the NewDEAL Forum, which has recently released a report of state and local education policy recommendations from its Education Policy Group. The document includes a section on ideas for expanding high-speed internet access in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including model examples for getting more students online outside of the school building.

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How We Move Forward…

On behalf of our 160 members who hold state and local elected offices across the nation, the NewDEAL condemns the rioters who assaulted the U.S. Capitol, as well as President Trump for inciting yesterday’s insurrection. The President’s rhetoric and actions exhibited his complete lack of respect for the institutions at the heart of American democracy.

We also cannot ignore the many politicians who have tacitly approved of, actively promoted, and sought to benefit from the countless lies that led directly to this attack. As President-elect Biden has said, words matter. Too often leaders have brushed off the anti-democratic and inflammatory words of this president without regard for their serious consequences.

While we call out the direct causes of Wednesday’s events, especially the attempts to subvert Joe Biden’s legitimate victory, it is important to acknowledge that the roots of this attack and the contempt displayed for our democratic process run deep. One of the issues that must be addressed is the damage done by politicians who have worked for years to convince Americans that their government cannot be a source for good.

We are proud to work with true American patriots who exemplify the meaning of public service as they fight for economic opportunity, safe communities, and a better quality of life for everyone they represent. In the coming months and years, we must all work hard to promote trust in our government institutions, from Washington, D.C. to state capitals and city halls. As we look forward to a new day for our country with the inauguration of President-elect Biden, the outstanding public servants in NewDEAL are committed to moving America forward. They will be on the frontlines of rebuilding our country, balancing the need to denounce harmful rhetoric with uniting as many people as possible behind public policy solutions for the many crises of this moment.
— The NewDEAL

Press Release: Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda

For Immediate Release:
August 17, 2020
Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5, jonathon@newdealleaders.org

 

Gov. Inslee & Microsoft President Brad Smith Join NewDEAL Forum to Launch Climate Agenda 

Policymakers and leading experts develop state and local solutions to combat global warming, grow a clean economy, and protect communities

Washington, DC – As the national political conventions get underway today, and the country’s major parties outline their visions for the nation’s future, the NewDEAL Forum released a detailed policy agenda for the country to tackle the urgent warnings from scientists around the world about the threats of climate change. In Policy Proposals for Growing a Clean Economy and Protecting Communities, the Forum’s Climate Change Policy Group provides a guide designed for state and local elected officials to build a safer, healthier, and more prosperous and just future, with a special focus on environmental justice.

Emphasizing the essential role of leadership from outside Washington, the Group’s recommendations include calls for: 100 percent clean electricity; ambitious efforts to retrofit and electrify buildings; stronger fuel efficiency standards that end emissions from new trucks and are in line with Obama-era goals of about 54 miles/gallon by 2025; carbon pricing; and an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

The document will be highlighted TODAY at 2 ET at a virtual Climate Solutions Forum featuring Washington Governor Jay Inslee, former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, Microsoft President Brad Smith, as well as the co-chairs of the Forum’s Climate Policy Working Group. They will discuss the outlook for public policies that are key to fighting global warming. There is still time to register here for that event by clicking here.

The report, which includes a range of transformative and incremental solutions, draws from the work of innovative policymakers, as well as input from leading think tanks and members of the private sector. Key strategies to address the impacts of climate change are accompanied by dozens of model programs, laws, and pieces of proposed legislation from across the country. In addition, the report examines comprehensive efforts of model cities and states, including Boise, ID, St. Petersburg, FL, Phoenix, AZ, Norfolk, VA, and the state of Wisconsin.

View the full recommendations here.

“Decades of rapidly increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, more frequent wildfires, and the dismaying combination of major floods in some areas with alarming droughts in others can make anyone pessimistic about the future,” writes Colorado Governor Jared Polis in an introduction to the recommendations. “The enclosed policy agenda and corresponding examples from dozens of states and cities provide much-needed optimism about our ability to stem the damage of climate change while building a more prosperous, equitable, and healthier society.”

Polis is an Honorary Vice Chair of the Forum’s sister organization, The NewDEAL.

Acknowledging the lack of national leadership during the past four years, the report stresses that a “better, safer future isn’t just possible — it’s already happening in cities and states across America,” where “leaders have stepped in to set ambitious clean energy goals, expand solar access to low-income residents, clean up transportation, make polluters pay, and build greener, more energy-efficient cityscapes.”

The group is co-chaired by Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and Norfolk, VA Councilmember Andria McClellan, who have worked elected officials across the country, as well as experts from the Center for Climate and Energy Solution, Third Way, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Climate X Change, and other partner organizations to develop practical solutions that state and local officials can pursue.

“Forward-thinking leaders across the nation, many of whom partner with us as members of the NewDEAL network, along with concerned citizens, have shown that solutions exist to cut emissions and protect against climate change,” write Barnes and McClellan in the report. “They have built a blueprint for the kind of climate leadership needed to tackle an immense, planetary problem. This report gathers what they’ve learned. It pairs policy recommendations with real-life examples and best practices.”

Policy Agenda Summary

Recommendations focus on three key areas outlined below, with each section emphasizing the importance of environmental justice and of leaders recognizing the hugely disproportionate impacts that a changing climate and the pollution that causes it have long had on communities of color. The report makes clear that effects on these communities must be examined when crafting climate policies.

Reducing Emissions: To help the United States reach the vital goal of cutting emissions in half by 2030 and reaching zero new emissions by 2050, the Climate Policy Group recommends policies around: cleaner electricity, including requirements for utilities and grid modernization; smarter buildings through strict energy efficiency standards and retrofitting investments; smarter transportation through electric vehicle infrastructure and support for stronger national fuel efficiency standards; and investments in innovative technologies, such as advanced nuclear and carbon capture.

The report also highlights the importance of continuing the push to put a price on carbon so that polluters pay and resources are made available for clean investments.

Building Resiliency: To protect communities from the inevitabilities of extreme weather, the report addresses options for financing resiliency projects, equitable planning that recognizes the substantial needs of traditionally disadvantaged communities, and specific steps to deal with flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat.

Fostering Widespread Support: The final section of the report deals with keys for leaders to rally their communities around solutions, with recommendations around: investing in the transition to a cleaner economy, including jobs and training for workers to transition better-paying employment; making environmental justice a cornerstone of the response to climate change; and engaging diverse constituents around common goals.

 

About the NewDEAL Forum

The NewDEAL Forum is a non-profit organization which identifies and promotes innovative, future-oriented state and local pro-growth progressive policies that can improve the lives of all Americans. By facilitating the identification and spread of policy ideas, the NewDEAL Forum seeks to foster economic growth, reduce barriers to opportunity and promote good government in communities and states. The Forum advances its mission by researching, identifying, and sharing state and local pro-growth progressive policy ideas and bringing together public, private, and non-profit sector policy experts to exchange ideas and discuss the country’s biggest challenges.

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