WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the State Innovation Exchange (SiX) joined more than 400 state lawmakers and other political leaders in releasing the Progressive Economic Blueprint for the States – a 100-day vision for state legislative action to spur economic growth and prosperity for middle- and working-class families.
The blueprint, which was announced at the end of SiX’s 2016 national conference, signifies a large-scale effort by state legislators across the country to stand up and fight for progressive policies as President-elect Trump enters the White House. Video can be found here. Photos and audio are available here.
“As we head into the first 100 days of a Trump administration, and 2017 legislative sessions convene in the states, state lawmakers have a unique opportunity to counter President-elect Trump’s agenda with proactive policies that respond to the needs of all Americans,” said SiX Executive Director Nick Rathod. “This blueprint provides a fresh roadmap to do that – with a laser-like focus on supporting working families, ensuring economic opportunity, and leveling the playing field for everyone.”
Oregon House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, Wisconsin State Rep. Katrina Shankland, and Nevada Assembly Speaker-designate Jason Frierson emphasized their support for the blueprint and called on progressives to take action in states across the country.
“In Oregon, we came together as a progressive community to address these issues,” said Williamson. “The fight for progressives will have to be one where we move together, and states like Oregon are ready.”
“We will continue the fight at the state level to pass fair policies which will combat the devastating effects of climate change,” said Shankland, who pointed to the blueprint’s focus on smart investments that spur green job creation. “We have authored legislation to create clean energy manufacturing jobs and advance the clean energy economy in the Midwest.”
“If we remain focused and united together, we’ll be able to move forward and be prepared for the wave in the next four years – so that we can continue to advance policies that are so important to everyday people,” said Frierson.
Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II, who addressed conference attendees, touched on the moral imperative of building an economy that responds to the needs of all Americans.
“America is built from the bottom up – when we change it at the state level, we change the nation,” Rev. Barber said. “People cannot pursue happiness without being empowered economically. We will never give up, and we will always fight to take America to higher ground.”
The SiX conference was the first major gathering of state lawmakers, members of Congress, and progressive movement leaders since the 2016 election. Attendees discussed how to advance a positive vision of progressive governance and the vital role that states can play in contrast to what President-elect Trump and a conservative-controlled Congress will attempt to put forward from Washington.
National political leaders including U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker, and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the legislators on Monday, calling on them to take the fight to the states.
Video of these keynote addresses can be found here, with audio here and photos here.