News

Back

NewDEAL Response to the State of the Union

News Category: Statements and Press Releases

For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2019
Contact: Jonathon Dworkin (NewDEAL), 202-660-1340 x5, jonathon@newdealleaders.org

NewDEAL Response to the State of the Union

Progress from Local & Regional Leaders Not Deterred by Division from the Oval Office

Washington, D.C. - Executive Director Debbie Cox Bultan, who leads the NewDEAL's state and local network of 150 of the top pro-growth progressive leaders across the country, released the below statement in response to the State of the Union address

“While we can hope President Trump’s comments about fighting for all Americans and breaking political stalemates are backed by action, they cannot obscure two years spent sowing division and manufacturing crises from the Oval Office. His continued focus on funding a wall and sending more troops to the border at all costs without addressing vital issues impacting millions of people helps demonstrate the problem with his priorities. Americans deserve fact-based, compassionate, and practical leadership around the biggest challenges of our time.

"As surveys of the more than 150 state and local NewDEAL Leaders have underscored, these issues include the lack of job security for workers amidst increasing automation, as well as the economic, environmental, and public health threats caused by global warming. The President failed to mention either subject in his speech.

“We applaud NewDEAL Leader Stacey Abrams for offering a contrasting message of hope and standing up for American values. She presented a vision for expanding economic opportunity and security for all Americans, while strengthening our democracy. We can be optimistic about the future because, while Washington is mired in gridlock, leaders like NewDEAL’s members are forging ahead with progress across the country.

"It’s time for Washington to follow their examples in addressing challenges ranging from modernizing safety net benefits and training workers for the new economy to building more resilient communities and investing in cleaner energy to combat climate change. Democrats must double down on these types of efforts to build a productive, and winning, agenda for the next two years.”

About NewDEAL

Co-chaired by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, the NewDEAL is a network of 150 of the top pro-growth progressive state and local officeholders across the country, and was founded to support innovative leaders in developing and spreading policies that spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable in a fast-changing world. The organization facilitates policy development and the exchange of ideas among its members, and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

###