January 14, 2021
SiX signed on to this statement: Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer: We urgently write you to prioritize a proven solution to help overwhelmed front-line workers, jumpstart the economy and accelerate the pace of vaccinations: the passage of $1 trillion in emergency funding for states, cities, towns, and schools. For the last 10 months, public […]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SiX Joined 100+ Civil Rights, Racial Justice, Labor, and Grassroots Groups to Demand Trump Be Immediately Removed from Office, Co-Conspirators Held Accountable Following the insurrection by armed white vigilantes against the U.S. Capitol on Treason Day (January 6th, 2021) encouraged by Donald Trump as a way to stop the certification of the […]
Read More >August 06, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, August 6, 2020 CONTACT Katy Fleury, SiX National Communications Director katy@stateinnovation.org 817-456-5315 New Polling Reveals Voters Overwhelmingly Support Vote-By-Mail, Want State Action At the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, voters still believe in its core ideals and that government should act to reduce barriers that keep Black people […]
Read More >July 20, 2020
Strong support for measures to improve vote by mail process and help workers and small businesses LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan lawmakers return to session in Lansing this week, a new poll conducted by TargetSmart Communications, LLC, for the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) revealed Michiganders are overwhelmingly supportive of policies that prevent further damage to […]
Read More >June 29, 2020
Justices uphold precedent, but work remains to ensure abortion access improves in the states. Denver, CO — The United States Supreme Court, by a decision of 5-4, upheld precedent and threw out a restrictive Louisiana law requiring admitting privileges for abortion providers. This is the Court’s first major abortion decision since the addition of conservative […]
Read More >May 28, 2020
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Eme Crawford 803-790-1607 eme@stateinnovation.org Over 300 Local and State Elected Officials Unite in Support of Abortion Access as June Medical Services v. Russo Decision Looms Local and state legislators commit to protecting constituents’ right to make decisions about their families and bodies without coercion or violence. May 28, 2020 — As […]
Read More >April 24, 2020
Legislators from 34 States Signed Letter to Agriculture Secretary Perdue Denver, Colo.— On April 23, 128 state legislators from 34 states and the Virgin Islands sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting the Department of Agriculture ensure local and regional farmers have equitable access to federal stimulus funding. Congress gave little guidance for how the […]
Read More >March 25, 2020
Denver, Colorado — Today, March 25, 2020, state legislators and national advocates addressed the unprecedented challenge that the COVID-19 pandemic poses for a fair and accurate census count. In addition, legislators discussed the intentional politicization and underfunding of the census by the Trump administration and conservative state legislatures that have created the perfect storm to […]
Read More >February 25, 2020
Abortion restrictions pull in the headlines, but Black women legislators continue to steadily work toward legislation that would make a positive difference in the lives of their constituents. Columbia, SC — As extremist state legislators continue to introduce legislation intended to control women’s bodies and push abortion completely out of reach, Black women state legislators […]
Read More >February 13, 2020
Phoenix, AZ: A recent poll commissioned by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows Arizonans reject trickle-down economics and support pro-worker policies, greater access to the ballot, and solutions to make Arizona a cleaner and greener state. Overwhelmingly, voters want investment in health care and education (72%) over more tax cuts to individuals and businesses (12%). […]
Read More >January 24, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, January 24, 2020 Contact: Katy Fleury 817-456-5315 katy@stateinnovation.org Action on Health Care Affordability Is a Top Priority for Coloradans New poll reveals strong support for a public option plan and prescription drug affordability board Denver, Colorado – A recent poll conducted by Strategies 360 for the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) shows that […]
Read More >January 23, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Eme Crawford 803-790-1607 eme@stateinnovation.org New Video Shows State Legislators Witnessing the Consequences of an Abortion Ban On the heels of a record-breaking year for abortion bans, state legislators met women who have been imprisoned as a result of El Salvador’s total abortion ban The delegation examined the connection between abortion bans […]
Read More >January 21, 2020
On the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, on the heels of a record-breaking year of bans on abortion, state legislators on SiX’s Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (RFLC), a first of its kind cohort of over 425 state legislators across 46 states, are speaking out on what this Roe anniversary means to them. See below […]
Read More >December 13, 2019
State Innovation Exchange holds cross-state legislator planning session in anticipation of 2020’s big reproductive rights battles DENVER, Colo. — In 2019 state legislatures witnessed an explosion of reproductive health restrictions including abortion bans, constraints on contraceptive coverage, and overall hostility toward women’s health. The State Innovation Exchange’s (SiX) reproductive rights team and other national partners facilitated […]
Read More >November 19, 2019
State legislators on the front lines of abortion ban battles met women who have been imprisoned as a result of El Salvador’s total abortion ban Delegation examined the connection between abortion bans and sex education, sexual violence, maternal health and the separation of families as a result of incarceration San Salvador, El Salvador — A […]
Read More >November 11, 2019
Ver abajo para mensaje en español. FOR PLANNING PURPOSES: November 12, 2019 Contact Eme Crawford 803-790-1607 eme@stateinnovation.org THIS WEEK: Delegation of State Legislators to Visit El Salvador for Fact-Finding Mission on Abortion Bans State legislators on the front lines of abortion ban battles to meet women who have been imprisoned in El Salvador as […]
Read More >August 22, 2019
SiX releases 2019 legislative trend report on state legislative actions to combat untenable student debt DENVER, Colo. — As students return to college campuses this month, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) released a report that highlights the most important trends in legislation that state lawmakers have crafted to address the student debt crisis. Common approaches […]
Read More >May 23, 2019
Outrageously, more than 400 state-level abortion restrictions have been enacted since 2011, often making it harder for a person to get the health care procedure they need, or even pushing it out of reach altogether. Already in 2019, nearly 30 bans on abortion have been introduced, passed, or signed into law in statehouses around the country.
Read More >March 29, 2019
DENVER, Colo. – Advocates across the nation are recognizing April 1, 2019, as Census Day of Action, marking a year until the 2020 Census begins. Every ten years, the federal government conducts a census to track changes in population and demography, and this data is used for important determinations related to how federal, state, and […]
Read More >February 07, 2019
Phoenix, Ariz.: The kickoff to the 2019 legislative session saw a sea change in Arizona politics. Reinforcing this shift in power and changing dynamics in the state are the findings from a recent statewide poll which shows broad and robust support for progressive policy priorities. “This research shows that when looking to the future, Arizonans […]
Read More >January 23, 2019
Denver, Colo. – 296 legislators from 40 states, including the District of Columbia, have signed a bold letter of support for survivors of sexual violence with a committment to work with the communities most impacted to create solutions. “It’s critical that state legislators take the lead on standing up for survivors of sexual violence, especially […]
Read More >January 22, 2019
Denver, Colo. – 326 state legislators from 46 states have signed a letter boldly standing up for reproductive freedom and commemorating the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. “We can’t depend on Washington or the Supreme Court to protect abortion rights, so taking action at the state level is critical,” said Kelly Baden, Director of Reproductive […]
Read More >November 08, 2018
Tuesday night, progressives made significant gains in state houses across the nation, creating new opportunities to advance progressive policies and taking a critical next step in strengthening progressive power in the states. Candidates that ran on a progressive platform will now be focused on passing policies including expanding Medicaid, protecting pre-existing conditions, protecting abortion rights, […]
Read More >October 06, 2018
DENVER, Colo. — Following the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), issued the following statement: “Today, fifty Senators turned their back on Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and millions of survivors,” said the Hon. Jessie Ulibarri, SiX Executive Director. “Our collective rage must now turn into collective energy—while […]
Read More >October 05, 2018
DENVER, Colo. — 339 state legislators from 46 states have signed onto an open letter opposing the nomination of Jude Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. “These state legislators are standing with the millions of Americans who believe enough is enough. Brett Kavanaugh’s judicial philosophy, the credible allegations against him, and his combative, partisan attacks […]
Read More >September 28, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following yesterday’s powerful testimony from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and with action by the U.S. Senate on the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court imminent, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), issued the following statement: “We believe survivors, stand with Dr. Ford, and join millions of Americans in opposing the […]
Read More >August 30, 2018
Oxfam’s new Best States to Work Index identifies which states have the strongest workplace policies and finds a positive correlation to better economic and health outcomes for residents. DENVER, Colo. – Ahead of Labor Day, anti-poverty organization Oxfam America released “The Best States to Work Index,” a new report ranking states with the strongest workplace policies. The report also documents a positive […]
Read More >August 16, 2018
DENVER, Colo. — In a new video, state legislators from Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia are sharing their excitement about this year’s energy in advancing state-level policies to protect and expand reproductive rights, health, and justice. In the video, Georgia State Senators Nan Orrock and Nikema Williams, Georgia State Representative Renitta Shannon, Maryland Delegate Ariana […]
Read More >August 08, 2018
Legislators Pledge to Protect Roe v. Wade in States Across the Country DENVER, Colo. — 303 state legislators from 44 states signed onto an open letter opposing the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court and calling for a new era in state-based solutions to expand access to reproductive health care, including […]
Read More >July 31, 2018
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Tonight, Maryland lawmakers, in partnership with the State Innovation Exchange, the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative and AARP Maryland, are hosting the final of three telephone town halls with Maryland residents to discuss their efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Register here. WHAT: Tele-town hall on prescription drug affordability WHO: Sen. Ron Young; Del. Karen Lewis Young; Vincent DeMarco, Maryland Citizens’ Health […]
Read More >July 24, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) announced that Jessie Ulibarri, a former Colorado State Senator, nonprofit executive, and community organizer will join the organization as our next Executive Director beginning on September 4, 2018. Since the announcement, state legislators representing diverse corners of the country have weighed in with praise for Jessie’s demonstrated leadership […]
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Board of Directors of the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) is excited to announce that Hon. Jessie Ulibarri will be joining the organization as our new Executive Director beginning September 4, 2018. As a former Colorado State Senator, non-profit executive, and community organizer, Jessie has dedicated his career to building a unified […]
Read More >July 23, 2018
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Tonight, Maryland lawmakers, in partnership with the State Innovation Exchange, the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative and AARP Maryland, are hosting the first of three telephone town halls to connect directly with Maryland residents and discuss efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs. WHAT: Three tele-town hall meetings on prescription drug affordability WHO: Sen. Jim Mathias; Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes; Sen. Katherine Klausmeier; […]
Read More >July 17, 2018
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers, in partnership with the State Innovation Exchange, the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative and AARP Maryland, will host three telephone town halls at the end of July to connect directly with Maryland residents and discuss efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs. WHAT: Three tele-town hall meetings on prescription drug affordability WHO: Sen. Jim Mathias; Del. […]
Read More >July 05, 2018
RALEIGH, N.C. — In a short, seven-week legislative session, conservatives in the North Carolina General Assembly, where Republicans hold a veto-proof supermajority in both chambers, pushed through a dramatic series of constitutional amendments to be decided on by voters this November, neglected to act on important legislation, and overrode a record number of vetoes by Governor […]
Read More >June 28, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In light of the announcement of Supreme Court Justice Kennedy’s retirement, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) drew attention to the heightened responsibility of state governments to protect the basic rights of Americans, including reproductive freedom, LGBTQ rights, civil rights, voting rights, and the rights of workers to fight for fairer working conditions. “The next […]
Read More >June 27, 2018
The court’s decision represents a blow to working people and their freedom to join together in unions on the job; SiX and progressive legislators stand united in their commitment to ensure workers’ freedoms. WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31. The court ruled against working people […]
Read More >June 26, 2018
LANSING, Mich. —The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with Michigan Representatives Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn and Fred Durhall III, D- Detroit on Wednesday, June 27th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Following recent attacks on wages for people who build Michigan’s roads, bridges, and schools, the legislators will […]
Read More >June 25, 2018
LANSING, Mich. —The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with Michigan Representative Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint and Mike Barnwell of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights on Tuesday, June 26th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST. Following recent attacks on wages for people who build […]
Read More >June 14, 2018
Hundreds participated in the event to ask questions and discuss solutions. LANSING, Mich. — On Wednesday evening, Michigan state Representatives Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) and Emily Schwarzkopf, health policy expert with the Michigan League for Public Policy joined a telephone town hall hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX). They discussed health care policies to protect insurance […]
Read More >June 11, 2018
LANSING, Mich. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with Michigan Representatives Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo and Emily Schwarzkopf, health policy expert with the Michigan League for Public Policy on Wednesday, June 13, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET. Following major changes to Medicaid last week that could deprive […]
Read More >June 08, 2018
Hundreds of Pennsylvanians joined and raised concerns about rising health care costs, access to mental health care, and the opioid crisis. MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — During a telephone town hall this evening, Pennsylvania State Rep. Maureen Madden called for checks on big health insurance corporations, an expansion of Medicaid eligibility, and for corporations to pay their […]
Read More >June 05, 2018
SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois legislature adjourned last week with a balanced budget for the first time in three years, and with legislation passed on several progressive priorities, including gun safety and state-level protections on immigration and health care. “I am proud of much of the work we accomplished this spring session,” said Illinois state Senator Don […]
Read More >June 01, 2018
Legislators in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Texas and elsewhere have already witnessed the harm caused by state cuts to family planning funding. WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, 274 state legislators representing 43 states released an open letter stating their opposition to President Trump’s proposed rule to block access to health care under Title X, our nation’s birth control and reproductive health […]
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BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. —During a telephone town hall this evening, Pennsylvania State Rep. Perry Warren called for an increase in the state’s investment in infrastructure. The call, hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), reached over 2,000 people with a peak of over 200 people on the line at a time. Participants on the call […]
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MONROE COUNTY, PA. —State Representative Maureen Madden, D- Monroe, the State Innovation Exchange, and the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center will host a telephone town hall meeting next Thursday focused on a top Democratic priority in the coming budget debate: protecting access to affordable health care. Pennsylvania residents will have the opportunity to hear about how Pennsylvania Democrats […]
Read More >May 31, 2018
RALEIGH, N.C. —During a telephone town hall on Tuesday evening, North Carolina Sen. Erica Smith and House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson committed to policies to create a strong public education system, improve access to affordable health care, and create an economy that works for everyone. The call was hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and reached over […]
Read More >May 25, 2018
Hundreds of Michigan residents joined a telephone town hall with state lawmakers and raised concerns about public school funding and a range of local education challenges. LANSING, Mich. —On Thursday evening, Michigan House Democratic Floor Leader Christine Greig, D-Farmington Hills; Representative Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield; and David Hecker, President of American Federation of Teachers Michigan joined a telephone […]
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BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. —Pennsylvania State Rep. Perry Warren will host a telephone town hall next Thursday, May 31st, focused on his priority for the state budget: putting Pennsylvanians back to work by increasing the state’s investment in Pennsylvania’s crumbling infrastructure. Pennsylvania residents will have the opportunity to hear from Rep. Warren about how he wants to grow the economy and create good jobs for Pennsylvanians by increasing the […]
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During telephone town hall, lawmakers call attention to four areas where new direction is needed: education, health care, jobs and responsible governance BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. —This Tuesday, during a telephone town hall hosted by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), North Carolina Senate Democratic Whip Terry Van Duyn, Representative John Ager, and Representative Brian Turner discussed their […]
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RALEIGH, N.C. —The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with North Carolina Sen. Erica Smith and House Democratic Leader Darren Jackson on Tuesday, May 29, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. EST. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong public education system, improve access to affordable health care, and create an economy that works […]
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HARRISBURG, Pa. —Tonight, Pennsylvania State Representative Patty Kim, D-Dauphin County, and Senator Art Haywood, D-Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, called for increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage during a live telephone town hall meeting focused on making the state budget work for working families. The call reached almost 3,000 people with a peak of over 300 people on the line […]
Read More >May 23, 2018
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a town hall with North Carolina Rep. Cecil Brockman, Rep. Pricey Harrison, and Sen. Gladys Robinson at the Color Works Space at Revolution Mill tonight from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong public education system, access to affordable health care, and creating an economy […]
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LANSING, Mich. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with Michigan House Democratic Floor Leader Christine Greig, D-Farmington Hills; Representative Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield; and David Hecker, President of American Federation of Teachers Michigan on Thursday, May 24th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. EST. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong […]
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Gov. Phil Scott vetoed the two pieces of legislation over demands from working families and advocate organizations MONTPELIER, Vt. — On Tuesday, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) condemned Gov. Scott’s vetoes of legislation to raise the minimum wage and give Vermonters access to paid family leave. “By passing these bills, the legislature stood up for working families […]
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HARRISBURG, Penn. — Pennsylvania State Rep. Patty Kim and Sen. Art Haywood will host a telephone town hall meeting this Thursday focused on raising wages and boosting revenue for the state budget. Pennsylvania residents will have the opportunity to hear about how the lawmakers want to grow the economy and create good jobs by raising wages and fighting for a […]
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with North Carolina Senate Democratic Whip Terry Van Duyn, Representative John Ager, and Representative Brian Turner tonight, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. EST. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong public education system, improve access to affordable health care, and […]
Read More >May 22, 2018
Butler made the call at a town hall attended by over 90 local residents. WILMINGTON, N.C. — Last night, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) hosted a town hall in Wilmington with North Carolina Rep. Deb Butler focused on priorities for the legislative session that started Wednesday, May 16, including her legislation to hold polluters accountable. Ninety residents attended the […]
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Representative Austin Davis, D-Allegheny County, hosted a telephone town hall meeting last night focused on his top priority in the coming state budget debate: an increased investment for PA public schools. Hundreds of Pennsylvanians in Allegheny County joined the town hall, voiced support for investment in early childhood education, public schools […]
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a telephone town hall with North Carolina Senate Democratic Whip Terry Van Duyn, Representative John Ager, and Representative Brian Turner on Tuesday, May 22nd, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. EST. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong public education system, improve access to affordable health […]
Read More >May 18, 2018
DENVER, Colo. — Colorado’s 2018 legislative session adjourned Wednesday, May 9, with numerous progressive victories including investments in public schools and roads. However, important work remains on the table for the 2019 session. “I’m enormously proud of the work our legislature was able to get done,” said Senate Minority Leader Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “We’ve secured major investments in […]
Read More >May 17, 2018
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a town hall with North Carolina Rep. Cecil Brockman and Rep. Pricey Harrison at the Color Works Space at Revolution Mill next Wednesday, May 23, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong public education system, access to affordable health care, and creating an economy […]
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WILMINGTON, N.C. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a town hall with Rep. Deb Butler and Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue at the Hannah Block Center in Wilmington, N.C. tonight from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. The legislators will discuss the state’s response to GenX pollution, and policies to protect the environment, create a strong public education […]
Read More >May 16, 2018
YUMA, Ariz. — State Representative Charlene Fernandez, D-Yuma; Senator Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix; and Emily Kirkland, Executive Director of ProgressNow Arizona, will host a telephone town hall tonight to discuss #RedforEd, clean elections, and other successes, failures, and highlights from the 2018 legislative session. WHAT: Telephone town hall meeting on the 2018 legislative session WHO: Rep. Charlene Fernandez, D-Yuma; Sen. […]
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — State Representative Austin Davis, D-Allegheny County, will host a telephone town hall meeting this Thursday focused on a top priority in the coming budget debate: quality public schools and education funding. Pennsylvania residents will have the opportunity to hear about priorities for the state budget, how the process works and to ask questions. WHAT: Telephone town […]
Read More >May 11, 2018
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a town hall with Rep. Deb Butler and Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue at the Hannah Block Center in Wilmington, N.C. next Thursday, May 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. The legislators will discuss the state’s response to GenX pollution, and policies to protect the environment, create a […]
Read More >May 10, 2018
Over 50 local residents attended to raise concerns and hear from their representatives. LUMBERTON, N.C. — Last night, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) hosted a town hall in Lumberton, N.C. with North Carolina Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue, House Democratic Whip Garland Pierce, and Rep. Charles Graham focused on policies to create a strong public education system, improve […]
Read More >May 09, 2018
LUMBERTON, N.C. — Tonight, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a town hall with North Carolina Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue, House Democratic Whip Garland Pierce, and Rep. Charles Graham at the Lumberton City Hall Council Chambers from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET. The legislators will discuss policies to create a strong public education system, access to […]
Read More >May 03, 2018
In an April open letter, over 250 state legislators called for halt to new state abortion restrictions attempting to set up a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade. WASHINGTON, D.C. – In Iowa, a bill is now headed to the governor’s desk that would ban abortions as early as six weeks, before some women even realize they’re pregnant. If […]
Read More >April 30, 2018
LANSING, Mich. — Last week, Representatives Henry Yanez (D-Sterling Heights), Patrick Green (D-Warren), and Michigan Operating Engineers 324hosted a Telephone Town Hall meeting for Michigan residents focused on how to improve the state’s roads and infrastructure. They discussed their push to add more funding to fix the problem and legislation to help drivers who have had their […]
Read More >April 27, 2018
PHOENIX, Ariz. — Today, thousands of educators across Arizona are staging a walkout to advocate for better teacher pay and more investment in Arizona public schools as part of the #RedforEd movement. But instead of working to boost education spending, leaders in the Arizona House of Representatives spent Wednesday denying the chamber’s only two African-American legislators […]
Read More >April 16, 2018
By: Arizona State Rep. Randy Friese, Michigan Rep. Robert Wittenberg, and Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon As we watch the fight for commonsense gun safety legislation play out again in Washington, D.C., we are hopeful that, this time — with a tectonic shift in public opinion — they will find the courage to pass reform. As citizens and constituents, […]
Read More >April 11, 2018
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland state legislature wrapped up its 2018 session Monday evening with several important wins for working families in the state, including creating transparency for online political ads, protecting affordable health care, providing access to paid sick days, expanding voter participation, protecting the Chesapeake Bay economy against negative consequences from offshore drilling, investing additional […]
Read More >April 05, 2018
As lost wages hit $500 million, progressive state leaders are acting to ensure workers are paid fairly for hours on the job. WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 1, 2018 the total amount of lost wages since President Trump abandoned the Department of Labor’s overtime pay protections for middle class workers in October 2017 reached $500 million, according […]
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“Since 2011, states have enacted more than 400 abortion restrictions, according to a press release from the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), a nonprofit devoted to advancing progressive causes. At least 39 bills have been introduced across 19 states to restrict or ban abortion in 2018. “These attacks on Roe have prompted 250 state legislators who are members of the Reproductive Freedom […]
Read More >April 03, 2018
Recent bills have pursued arbitrary bans as early as six weeks and are attempting to set up a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to a recent wave of bans on abortion introduced in states including Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio, 250 state legislators, all members of the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council, have signed an open […]
Read More >March 23, 2018
By Michigan Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, Minnesota Rep. Dave Pinto, and Maine House Transportation Chair Andrew McLean In a time when Americans seem more divided than ever, there is still one thing we all agree on: our country’s infrastructure is long overdue for an upgrade. Our nation’s aging and inadequate infrastructure has resulted in […]
Read More >March 21, 2018
OLYMPIA, WASH. —With the first opportunity in seven years to advance progressive solutions in the Senate and on to the governor’s desk, Washington legislators wasted no time putting people first. The Democratic-controlled legislature advanced access to education and opportunity, improved health care, and implemented important accountability measures. Successes include advancing equal pay for equal work, […]
Read More >March 01, 2018
Progressives legislators have introduced commonsense gun safety legislation, called on conservative leaders to act, and defeated legislation that would threaten public safety. WASHINGTON, D.C – In the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, progressive state lawmakers across the country are standing up to the gun lobby and looking for […]
Read More >February 08, 2018
Progressive legislators in all 50 states will take part in the #FightingForFamilies Week of Action to showcase progressive priorities in state capitals. DENVER, CO – This week, in clear contrast with the conservative and Trump administration agenda, legislators and advocates across all 50 states will be taking part in the State Innovation Exchange’s second annual #FightingForFamilies Week of Action, […]
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“But this week, as part of a concerted effort to be viewed as more than just part of the anti-Trump “Resistance,” lawmakers in all 50 states are going on offense. Over the course of the week, they’ve unveiled rafts of progressive legislation, held town halls, delivered speeches and staged rallies, all aimed at moving the ball forward […]
Read More >February 01, 2018
Partnership will fuel efforts to protect and advance reproductive freedom in Colorado, Georgia and Wisconsin through the development of proactive strategies and legislation WASHINGTON, D.C. – The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) and the National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) on Wednesday announced a pivotal new partnership to support on-the-ground efforts that will advance reproductive freedom in states around the country […]
Read More >January 31, 2018
Progressive legislators in all 50 states will take part in the #FightingForFamilies Week of Action Feb. 5-9, 2018 to showcase progressive priorities in state capitals. WASHINGTON, D.C. – State legislators from across the country reacted to President Trump’s first State of the Union address with a shared commitment to advance progressive policy solutions to address the concerns they […]
Read More >January 11, 2018
In advance of Roe v. Wade anniversary, State Innovation Exchange launches the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) announced the new Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (RFLC), a first-of-its-kind national network of state legislators committed to embracing leadership on reproductive rights. State capitals have been central to the fight over reproductive freedom […]
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“Amid crackdowns on abortion access nationwide, Shannon and more than 200 other state legislators across the country have signed on to a new Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council launched on Thursday by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), a nonprofit policy and resource center for progressive state legislators. The council’s objective is to put reproductive rights at […]
Read More >January 05, 2018
In October 2017, SiX helped seven female legislators come together to write a joint op-ed for TIME about their experiences dealing with sexual harassment in state capitols across the country. Each of the seven women helped kick-start #MeToo conversations about harassment in their home states. In December 2017, The Nation named these women the country’s […]
Read More >November 27, 2017
“After the Las Vegas shooting, several New York lawmakers introduced bills to explicitly outlaw the devices, and legislators in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vermont, Hawaii, Maine and South Carolina are planning to introduce similar proposals in early 2018, according to the State Innovation Exchange, which tracks progressive state legislation. “‘Given continued Congressional inaction, it makes sense that states are taking the […]
Read More >November 02, 2017
KEY POINT: “It’s apparent that leadership to address sexual violence and harassment will not come from the federal level under the current administration. But in the states, there are concrete steps we can take to support survivors, hold offenders accountable, and prevent this behavior in the first place.” By Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, South Carolina; Rep. Daneya Esgar, […]
Read More >October 26, 2017
Tune into minute mark 12 to watch how SiX is working to rebuild power in the states.
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“Progressive state legislators are trying to counter President Donald Trump — by taking a page out of the conservative playbook. “A group called the State Innovation Exchange (SIX) is raising its profile to lead efforts in Statehouses around the country, supporting lawmakers in advancing progressive policies and beating back Trump-influenced agendas locally. Formed in late […]
Read More >October 17, 2017
HBO’s “Vice News Tonight” profiled State Innovation Exchange and SiX Executive Director Nick Rathod in episode that aired Oct. 12, 2017. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, more than 500 state legislators and progressive leaders gathered for the State Innovation Exchange’s 2017 SiX Legislator Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., where SiX Executive Director Nick […]
Read More >October 10, 2017
“The week began Monday with a moment of silence for the victims of the Las Vegas tragedy at an annual conference here for progressive state legislators from across the country. “That moment of silence at the Omni Shoreham Hotel was led by members of the Nevada Legislature, in town for the 4th annual State Innovation […]
Read More >October 02, 2017
Symone Sanders, Ilyse Hogue, Karine Jean-Pierre Join Progressive Legislators for Panel to be Held During Fourth Annual SiX Legislator Conference WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over 500 progressive legislators and legislative staff from around the country will gather in Washington, D.C. on Monday, October 9 to discuss and map out a strategy to confront President Trump’s agenda. The panel […]
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“Thirty-four states have Republican governors, and the GOP in 25 of those states controls both chambers of the Legislature, which can make things difficult for cities, which skew ‘younger, more diverse, more progressive, more affluent,’ said Sam Munger, the director for strategic engagement at SIX, the State Innovation Exchange. “‘It sets up a fight like […]
Read More >September 27, 2017
The State Innovation Exchange (SiX) will host a discussion on “State Health Care Policy Making: Protecting What We’ve Built and Seizing Opportunities for Progress” at the SiX Legislator Conference in Washington D.C. on Monday Oct. 9, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, State Innovation Exchange (SiX) Executive Director Nick Rathod released the following statement on the withdrawal of the Graham-Cassidy health care bill, which […]
Read More >September 26, 2017
Health care, immigration, education, energy, economic inequality, racial justice, reproductive justice among key discussion topics during largest gathering of progressive state leaders in D.C. since Trump’s inauguration. WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 500 progressive state legislators and legislative staff from across the nation will gather in Washington, D.C. as part of the State Innovation Exchange’s […]
Read More >September 21, 2017
“Zerwas’ bill is part of a national trend. Roughly 20 states are considering new regulations and penalties regarding protests. New laws have been enacted this year in a handful of states, including Georgia, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Some increase penalties for picketing near ‘critical infrastructure,’ such as pipelines and airports. Some call for protesters […]
Read More >September 05, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On September 5th, 2017, State Innovation Exchange (SiX) Executive Director Nick Rathod released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: “President Trump’s decision to end DACA is cruel, heartless, and ill-conceived. There is no good rationale for tearing apart families and stripping 800,000 young people […]
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“So how do Democrats break through? “Nick Rathod, executive director of the State Innovation Exchange and an Obama White House veteran, pointed to the ‘Fight for $15,’ a union-backed grass-roots push to raise the minimum wage, as an example of how the party can pick up steam despite its deficit in Washington. “‘Congress is in […]
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“A new report from State Innovation Exchange looked at trends in state legislatures across the U.S., from voting rights to workers’ protections to healthcare, and it identified one of many disturbing trends in Republican-controlled legislatures: laws meant to penalize and curb protests.” Click here to read the full article.
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