New Series: Federal Rapid Response Strategy Sessions
In light of the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration—particularly the use of executive orders and the systematic dismantling of federal agencies—state legislators must be well-informed about the direct and indirect impacts on their states and how to respond. These actions often leave gaps in policies, create new challenges, and shift funding, which can make things harder for state governments.
To help state lawmakers stay informed and ready, SiX and State Futures are hosting bi-weekly Federal Rapid Response Rooms. These virtual meetings give state leaders the tools, strategies, and support they need to respond to federal changes and, when possible, push back.
In these sessions, state legislators and policy experts come together to talk about new federal actions, figure out how they affect states, and plan ways to respond. The goal is to make sure states aren't just reacting to federal decisions but are also creating their own strategies and a proactive vision for the future.
State legislators and staff, click here to join us for our next Federal Rapid Response Room!
So far we have covered:
Executive Orders and State Impact
Federal actions can quickly change state funding and priorities. This first session gave lawmakers important information about these fast-moving decisions, their impacts on states, and how to respond. Experts like Somil Trivedi from Democracy Forward and Michigan Senate Leader Winnie Brinks shared their insights. Lawmakers also joined small group discussions to talk about challenges, solutions, and ways to work together across states. The meeting wrapped up with a summary, helpful resources, and next steps.
State Power to Protect Public Schools
Florida Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the Education Law Center, and North Carolina State House Representative Lindsey Prather joined this session to talk about public education. Access to education is directly tied to economic and political power — and public education wasn’t handed to us, it was fought for. But for decades, there’s been a strong, well-funded push to privatize schools.
Click here for a recap of the public education session.
Agriculture, Rural Communities, and Food
The Trump administration’s latest moves are already hitting farmers, rural communities, and our food system. In this session, expert speakers broke down what’s happening, how it’s affecting farms and families in rural areas, and what it all means for the future of agriculture and food.
Click here for a recap of the rural communities, farmers, and our food briefing.
Federal + State Regulatory Attacks and State Response
In this session, experts and lawmakers covered DOGE, efforts to weaken federal regulatory agencies, state-level DOGE actions, and positive state responses.
Coming Soon:
Rapid Response: Social Safety Net Programs
April 17, 2025, 1 pm ET / 10 am PT
Register here