With a new administration beginning in Washington this week, the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials is clearer than ever. That was the message from former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and NewDEAL alum Pete Buttigieg when he spoke at our 2024 Leaders Conference. His remarks are a vital reminder of the key role state and local policymakers play in delivering results and making everyday life better for the American people. After his opening remarks, Buttigieg, who was then appearing in his official capacity as Secretary of Transportation, joined MSNBC's Symone Sanders Townsend to look towards the future, sharing advice for how the country can move forward into a new, brighter future. This conversation is an excellent reminder of the type of leadership the country so desperately needs at this moment.   IN THIS EPISODE:  [01:04] The former secretary’s insights on the importance of pragmatic and effective state and local officials. [01:55] Why our work is not done and some key areas to consider.  [03:10] “The Big Deal” from the Biden-Harris Administration. [06:50] Why former Secretary Buttigieg believes that local leaders are so important for the present moment. [07:30] Staying abreast of the different ways that people get their information. [10:30] Understanding the nature of infrastructure work.  [14:25] Buttigieg’s posture towards his successor.  [17:00] What a new administration might mean for federal infrastructure funds.  [19:27] Insight into former Secretary Buttigieg’s journey to the Department of Transportation.  [22:35] Why a lot of his work in infrastructure and transportation has been nonpartisan in nature. [24:13] The term middle class and why it has become largely meaningless. [29:08] What is most important: making the lives of everyday people better.   

In this week’s episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Georgia Democratic Caucus Chair Representative Tanya Miller. These three NewDEAL Leaders reflect on their 2024 accomplishments – from lowering prescription costs for Pennsylvania seniors to passing landmark, bipartisan bills addressing Oregon's housing shortage. They then look towards the year ahead and discuss their top priorities for the 2025 legislative session, which include improving government oversight to ensure that states can serve constituents effectively, developing new strategies to better communicate with voters and the press, and focusing on economic issues from jobs to housing to healthcare. Tune in to hear which bills Bowman, McClinton, and Miller think will become laws in 2025 and what issues need policymakers’ attention. IN THIS EPISODE [01:04] Introduction to today’s episode, a preview of what to expect in 2025 state legislative sessions. [02:11] House Speaker Joanna McClinton tells us what things are looking like in Pennsylvania. [04:48] House Majority Leader Ben Bowman shares how he and his team have held onto their majority in Oregon.  [08:08] What’s on Representative Tanya Miller’s mind with Democrats still in the minority this session.  [13:06] Speaker McClinton shares where there are opportunities to bring parties together to drive results.  [16:03] How Representative Bowman is going to follow up on messaging to get tangible results for Oregonians.  [20:11] Representative Miller overviews her strategies for reaching people with Democrat messages.  [24:41] Speaker McClinton discusses aligning with other party members to speak to issues in her state.   [27:27] How Representative Bowman thinks about the relationship between the state legislature and the federal government in the new Trump Administration.  [30:11] Representative Miller talks about ‘playing defense’ and her focus for this term.  [33:54] Our guests speak about their hopes for positives in 2025.

Happy New Year! Our first episode of 2025 features leading political strategist and author Symone Sanders Townsend, now host of MSNBC's The Weekend. Symone speaks with co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty about the importance of citizens being informed and staying engaged in the political arena, even if they feel worn out after the 2024 election. She shares her approach to covering the incoming Trump administration and the current political environment, as well as the nuts and bolts of her life in the political media and what it takes to be ready to go live every Saturday and Sunday on MSNBC. With 2024 being the first year of The Weekend, Symone talks about some of her favorite highlights and her desire to elevate good ideas from state and local policymakers. Tune in to learn more about Symone’s background, what fostered her love of policy and politics, and what motivates her to keep working in her field. IN THIS EPISODE:  The Weekend airs at 8am ET on Saturdays and Sundays on MSNBC. • [01:15] Welcoming today’s guest, Symone D. Sanders Townsend. • [02:47] She tells us about her show The Weekend and what it’s been like for the past year. • [10:12] Symone shares some advice for making sure local news makes more headlines. • [15:34] How they put the show together and decide what to discuss. • [19:06] What motivates Symone to keep talking about politics and stay informed. • [22:30] How Symone got involved in politics and what led her to being a reporter. • [27:21] Why Symone doesn’t think being an elected official is in the cards for her.

This week, we want to take the opportunity to revisit our conversation with Iowa State Representative Megan Srinivas. She and co-host Ryan Coonerty talk about her journey as the child of immigrants in a small Iowa town, to a life changing visit to Kenya, to Harvard, and back to Iowa to represent disadvantaged communities. They discuss her storytelling strategies to create a middle ground on key issues like abortion and why medical professionals are well-positioned to run for office. Srinivas also explains how she embraces the diverse experiences of Iowans to align her messaging on key policy issues with people’s needs. Tune in to learn about her big policy ideas rooted in her unique background and how she balances her medical and legislative duties. Enjoying An Honorable Profession? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great content! https://www.youtube.com/@NewdealleadersOrg/ • [01:06] An introduction to Iowa Representative Dr. Megan Srinivas and what motivates her to work in the legislature while practicing medicine. • [05:30] Her work to improve the Prior Authorization policy in the form of a bipartisan bill. • [07:42] A trip to rural Kenya that transformed how she relates to others. • [09:17] Formative experiences that sparked Dr. Srivas’s interest in global health and policy. • [13:02] Applying global practices to rural Iowa by adopting a broader interpretation of healthcare. • [16:42] Reframing key policies in order to create a middle ground with those who disagree. • [19:38] Iowa’s identity as a Purple State and what it takes to connect with Iowans. • [22:35] Predictions for 2024 and the messaging necessary to move the needle. • [24:45] Advice for healthcare practitioners who might want to run for office. • [26:01] How being a medical professional has helped Dr. Srinivas to build relationships. • [29:23] The dearth of mental health support and facilities in Iowa and what needs to change. • [31:46] Why there is an education crisis in Iowa and how this could be solved. • [33:22] How Dr. Srinivas chooses to focus her energy in order to enact change.

Happy holidays! While our team is off enjoying a well-deserved break, we're revisiting an episode with New York Assemblymember Alex Bores, co-chair of the NewDEAL Forum AI Task Force. As one of the few state legislators in the country with a computer science background, Bores explains how artificial intelligence can change our elections, economy, and everyday lives. He also shares his thoughts on how the government should adjust to the rapid development of AI technology, including about how New York integrates AI into government services, the state economy, and the education system. In addition, the episode dives into the biggest stories from New York’s most recent legislative session, and what to watch for in this year’s elections in the Empire State. Tune in to learn about Bores’s first campaign, why he left the world of tech startups to serve in elected office, and the support he received from his family and friends.  Enjoying An Honorable Profession? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great content! https://www.youtube.com/@NewdealleadersOrg/ IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Introducing AI expert and New York Assembly Member Alex Bores. • [02:07] An overview of how his most recent session: protection bills, expanding the number of judges, and more. • [04:27] Approaching the problem and potential of AI in elections. • [07:50] How States are using AI in the election process and what setting a Federal standard would mean. • [10:35] New York’s approach to integrating AI and why it will never replace government workers. • [13:32] His strategy to introduce AI to those who might be reluctant. • [16:00] What has motivated Assembly Member Bores to leave startups to work in the legislature. • [19:09] His first campaign and how his family forms part of the journey of running for office. • [21:26] Advice for anyone who wants to run for office in the future. • [24:30] Insights on where the Democratic Party is in terms of embracing the new generation and the future. • [26:34] How Assembly Member Bores intends to continue to have an impact in office.  

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Phoenix, AZ, City Councilmember Kesha Hodge Washington. She shares her approach to leadership and her commitment to creating opportunities for more people in her community. The conversation delves into her journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the Valley of the Sun and how this ultimately led her down the path of politics and on to the City Council. She shares how she balances immediate neighborhood needs with long-term policy goals, and talks about  ensuring big investments create broad-based economic opportunities, her plan to plant 27,000 trees in her city, and guaranteeing people facing eviction the right to legal counsel. Tune in to learn how local leaders can make tangible differences.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:04] Kesha's journey from the U.S. Virgin Islands to serving on the City Council. • [05:24] Her experience working in public service and what she finds most rewarding. • [06:04] Advocating for the right to counsel to address Phoenix’s growing eviction crisis. • [08:10] Hear about the challenges of providing legal counsel to combat the eviction crisis. • [09:03] Growing a balanced economy and leading Phoenix’s $500 million bond initiative. • [10:46] Navigating national discourse in a local context and lessons from the last election. • [14:07] Building climate change resilient cities and incorporating sustainable city planning. • [16:39] What the next Trump administration will look like and her plans for small businesses. • [18:51] Discover how public service can be a pathway to create meaningful change.

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Williamsport, PA, Mayor Derek Slaughter. Mayor Slaughter reflects on  his unexpected journey from high school teacher and basketball coach to public servant. He discusses his focus on revitalizing his city, highlights efforts to boost economic development, enhance public safety, and invest in youth programming. He also shares his insights on navigating the challenges of good governance during a highly polarized time in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of connecting with constituents on shared concerns and showcasing tangible results. A testament to the power of local leadership, this conversation reveals how the Mayor of Williamsport is making a lasting impact.   IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:54] Williamsport’s growth and the impact of hosting the Little League World Series. • [04:16] Mayor Slaughter’s unexpected journey from teacher and coach to city leadership. • [06:42] Surprising challenges of becoming mayor without a political background. • [08:09] Navigating the complexities of hosting a national political campaign in Williamsport. • [09:33] Lessons from the 2024 elections and the value of meeting voters where they are. • [11:58] Leveraging federal funds and innovative ideas to revitalize Williamsport’s economy • [14:50] A mayor’s role in facilitating and advocating for economic development projects. • [16:41] The importance of investing in youth programs, including mentorship opportunities. • [19:35] Mayor Slaughter’s future in public service and the possibility of pursuing higher office.

Filmed at the 14th Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., host Ryan Coonerty talks with Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson. Growing up in one of the country’s most underserved zip codes, Nicholson is using her experiences to improve  the communities she holds dear. She begins the conversation explaining how she found her way to elected office after being upset by the lack of resources available to her students as a fourth grade teacher. From there, she explains how to organize and advocate successfully at the local level, offering her tested methods for bridging divides across her state as she “bakes her way” to bipartisan collaboration. We also look at the future of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin and what they can do to improve the lives of everyday Wisconsinites, from focusing on housing to relationship building with unlikely allies.   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:04] Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson describes her journey into public office. • [04:24] How her childhood experiences and representing her constituency informs her policy. • [06:12] Advice for teachers on how to approach governments to affect change. • [07:53] Past issues Marcelia was concerned with, how she solved them, and what she’s focused on now. • [10:34] How Milwaukee and Marcelia’s role fits into broader Wisconsin politics. • [12:24] Marcelia’s protocol for bridging racial, cultural, political, and geographical divides. • [14:05] Unpacking the current state of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin. • [16:19] The policies that Marcelia would like to see the Dems pushing for her constituents. • [18:07] Her advice for other public office leaders for keeping groups and policies cohesive. • [20:20] How she spends her time, and what’s next for her in policy and politics.

Happy Thanksgiving! While our team is out of the office this week, we want to take this opportunity to revisit our September 2024 conversation focused on the Abundance Movement. In this episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the CEO and Founder of the Inclusive Abundance Initiative, Derek Kaufman. Derek is a thought leader and policy strategist dedicated to advancing equity and sustainability through innovative business practices. The Inclusive Abundance Initiative aims to create inclusive economic systems that foster abundance for all, pushing back against a scarcity mindset with policies that grow economic opportunity and build thriving communities for everyone. Debbie and Derek talk about his definition of abundance that “creates opportunities to overcome limitations in the status quo,” they unpack how a focus on abundance work translates into effective policies, and explore the relationship between abundance and democracy. They discuss why streamlining government functions can restore faith in institutions and how the abundance framework can create better outcomes for all Americans. Tune in to learn about ideas for reshaping public policy, building inclusive growth, and unlocking new possibilities for all. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:40] Background and mission of The Inclusive Abundance Initiative. [03:58] He explains the concept of abundance in the context of public policy. [06:16] Comparing the impacts of an abundance versus a scarcity mindset on policy. [08:30] Examples of how the system is not achieving its inclusive growth goals. [10:32] Why Derek is optimistic about The Inclusive Abundance Initiative’s mission. [12:38] The challenges faced on the Federal level regarding affordable housing. [15:54] Why the Presidential Campaign gives him hope for solving America’s problems. [20:24] Hear how the abundance framework will drive bipartisan agreements. [24:54] Benefits of applying the abundance framework to a democracy. [28:52] Find out how and why he started The Inclusive Abundance Initiative. [32:12] Derek’s outlook for the future of the abundance framework in government.

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Lanae Erickson, Third Way’s Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics. Her team released a poll at this week’s NewDEAL conference -- one of the first surveys after the election. Lanae shares some key takeaways, including issues that mattered most to voters – the economy, immigration, and safety – and why voters trusted president-elect Donald Trump more while finding the Democratic party  to be more extreme. They also discuss what lessons can be learned from U.S. House and Senate candidates who outperformed the top of the ticket, as well as the impact of identity politics and the path back to the majority for Democrats. Tune in to learn more from this insightful conversation!   IN THIS EPISODE:  • [02:23] Lanae shares key takeaways from Third Way’s post-election poll and review. • [04:49] Why voters trusted Trump over Harris on almost every issue. • [08:46] Pitfalls from the Harris campaign and how Democrats can regain voters’ trust. • [13:35] Why Democrats need to rebrand holistically and quickly (and how they can do it). • [19:55] The dangers and possibilities of how information is consumed in this digital age. • [21:12] Why Democrats need to relearn the needs and wants of young voters. • [23:18] Semantics: Everything that needs to change about how the Dems talk to voters. • [27:09] Why Democrats are fighting an uphill battle regarding voter demographics. • [29:55] The challenges of embracing different perspectives, and the rewards of an open mind. • [34:15] Humility, listening and learning, curiosity, mentorship, and growing circles of influence.