From the Dispatch

Networking the Green Economy: How Broadband and Related Technologies Can Build a Green Economic Future

Fabiola Carrion — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:11 -0800

Deploying broadband and related communication technologies, including smart meters in the home and smart grids to upgrade our power grid, have the potential of revolutionizing energy management and economic development, according to a new report by the Progressive States Network released in association with our partners, Communications Workers of America, the Sierra Club and the Blue Green Alliance. Last Thursday, leaders from those organizations convened at a panel on Capitol Hill, hosted by U.S. Representative Edward Markey, Chairman of the U.S. House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, and joined by Nick Sinai, Director of Energy and Environment for the FCC's Broadband Strategy Plan, to discuss the findings of the report entitled Networking the Green Economy

Boards of Education Rewriting History and Science

Altaf Rahamatulla — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:22:06 -0800

In January, members of the predominantly conservative Texas Board of Education discussed revising the state's social studies curriculum to include highly partisan perspectives on civil rights, the role of government, and American history in general. Some of the more divisive suggestions range from banning mention of activist and union organizer Cesar Chavezciting Ronald Reagan’s "leadership in restoring national confidence' following Jimmy Carter’s presidency." to

The FCC Extends E-Rate Broadband Access Program to the General Public

Fabiola Carrion — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:19:15 -0800

States and local governments may now use federal E-rate funds to provide the general public access to schools’ and public libraries’ Internet facilities, according to a recent Federal Communications Commission order. Schools receiving funding under the E-rate program may extend their services to the general public during non-operating hours, that is, after school, weekends, holidays, and summer vacation.

State Policymakers Need to Respond to Growing Clout of Latino Voters Nationwide

Suman Raghunathan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:19:43 -0800

A recent report from the advocacy group America’s Voice highlighted the growing power of Latino voters in the upcoming 2010 elections. Latino voters played a critical role in 2008 to propel President Obama to victory in several key swing states that previously trended Republican, including Virginia. Latino voter registration and turnout rates have exploded over the past few years: roughly 10 million voted in the 2008 Presidential election alone, a 2.5 million increase from 2004 and 4 million person increase since 2000. Latino voter registration grew by over 54% between 2000 and 2008, and turnout grew 64% over the same time period.

Job Creation and State Fiscal Relief Resolutions Moving in the States

Altaf Rahamatulla — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:12:03 -0800

In the State of the Union speech, President Barack Obama stated, "...jobs must be our number-one focus in 2010, and that's why I'm calling for a new jobs bill." With the fiscal crisis forcing states to layoff hundreds of thousands of teachers, nurses and police officers, the need for more federal job creation and state fiscal relief support is clear. And there is substantial momentum building around this issue in the states.

Broadband and Recovery - the ARRA and State Policies in 2010

Fabiola Carrion — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:02:05 -0800

This Dispatch highlights the trends in the initial grants when it comes to mapping, deployment and adoption broadband, outline broadband policies that states have been pursuing (using federal and state funding), and why these broadband investments are so critical to the long-term economy of our states.

State Job Creation Strategies Part I: Finding the Money and Investing in Human Capital and Physical Infrastructure

Nathan Newman — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:59:28 -0800

As this Dispatch will highlight, the first step is to fund jobs that support long-term economic competitiveness, notably by investing in people and physical infrastructure. While the economic climate for profit-making business opportunities is more limited, investments in education, health care, transit and energy efficiency can create immediate jobs while strengthening building blocks for long-term growth.

Take Action: Additional Federal Job Creation and State Fiscal Relief Needed

Altaf Rahamatulla — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:34:38 -0800

With the new year, Progressive States Network is working with allies to launch a campaign to demand a new, federal job creation plan that includes fiscal relief to state and local governments in order to foster economic growth and create and maintain jobs. We are asking state legislators to sign onto a letter to promote this job creation plan, the full text of which can be seen at www.progressivestates.org/jobcreation. Legislators can sign the letter at www.progressivestates.org/jobcreation or by emailing jobcreation@progressivestates.org.

Focus on Jobs: The Next Step in National Economic Recovery and State Fiscal Relief

Altaf Rahamatulla — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:01:45 -0800

On Tuesday, December 8th, President Barack Obama delivered an address to the Brookings Institution on the need for increased focus on the job crisis that is affecting so many working families across the country.

Stimulus Delivering Jobs & Preserving State Education Programs

Altaf Rahamatulla — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:53:30 -0700

In his major stimulus speech in January, President Barack Obama stated, "I am confident [the stimulus] will save or create at least three million jobs over the next few years." In particular, he emphasized that state fiscal relief "will save the public sector jobs of teachers, cops, firefighters and others who provide vital services."