NewDEAL Forum Launches COVID Recovery Group to Propose Systemic Policy Changes

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NewDEAL Forum Launches COVID Recovery Group to Propose Systemic Policy Changes

News Category: Statements and Press Releases

NewDEAL Forum Launches COVID Recovery Group to Propose Systemic Policy Changes

Renewing America Task Force will recommend state/local policies to rebuild country in stronger, more equitable way

Washington, D.C. – The NewDEAL Forum today launched the Renewing America Task Force to identify and promote the most effective state and local policy solutions for rebuilding the nation’s economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative state and local elected officials will come together along with top experts to address immediate and long-term challenges around issues critical to the economic recovery, such as increasing affordable housing, supporting entrepreneurs and local economic development, improving access to high-speed internet, and modernizing and strengthening the social safety net.

On every topic, the Task Force will specifically address opportunities to remedy long-standing inequities that have discriminated against people of color.

The group will be led by five co-chairs who are members of the Forum’s sister organization, the NewDEAL, a network of 180 of the most innovative elected officials across the country who are pro-growth progressives:

Kate Gallego, Mayor, Phoenix, AZ
Garlin Gilchrist II, Lt. Governor, Michigan
Lee Harris, Mayor, Shelby County, TN
Brooke Lierman, Delegate, Baltimore, MD
Tobias Read, State Treasurer, Oregon

“In this moment of crisis, state and local leaders are stepping up to offer bold and creative ways to protect their communities from the immediate fall-out of the pandemic, while recognizing that our goal should not be to restore America to its pre-pandemic condition,” said NewDEAL Forum CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “Our country is desperate for leadership that addresses long-time injustices and inequalities that have been exacerbated by this virus, including by embracing the opportunity to the systemic racism that is being protested around the world. The Renewing America Task Force will provide a platform for developing and sharing the best ideas for our recovery among leaders who can lead their implementation across the country.”

The Task Force plans to convene monthly for in-depth conversations on a particular subject to define short and long-term issues, and to hear from elected officials and other others who are proposing specific solutions. Following each discussion, the group will release findings designed to guide state and local policymakers in addressing the impact of COVID-19 and opportunities to make systemic change. The first official meeting will take place on July 9, when the group will tackle the pending housing crisis as millions of renters face eviction amidst record high unemployment levels.
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About the NewDEAL Forum

The NewDEAL Forum is a Washington-DC based 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, cities and states throughout the country.

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