Progressive state and local governments strive to build economies that create jobs, boost incomes, foster educational opportunity and strengthen government’s fiscal base. With continued congressional gridlock, the progressive agenda for these laboratories of democracy is more important than ever. Maryland Governor and former Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley discusses how states can secure the middle class and promote new and shared prosperity.
Read MoreThe fast-rising cost of Medicaid is one the most pressing issues facing the governments of New York City and State. One in four New Yorkers are served by the system of insurance, which now costs an average of $1 billion a week. Health care for the poor and long term care for the disabled and older people are more expensive than ever—and their recent growth exceeds the size the state budget gap. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s new Medicaid Redesign Team made recommendations that would create nearly $3 billion in savings.
Read MoreElected in a landslide in 2006 with a strong mandate for change, Governor Eliot Spitzer’s political fortunes soon took a turn for the worse. This winter, he’s gone from “reformer” to “conciliator.” Can he make a comeback and achieve his ambitious agenda? What will it take for the governor to regain his political clout?
Read MoreNearly $3 billion in state funds will be spent on corrections and criminal justice services in New York this year. Under the state's rst Democratic administration in 12 years, will there be a new vision—and new policies—on sentencing, prison conditions and drug treatment, health care and education behind bars?
Read MoreThe office of the governor is about to change hands for the first time in 12 years, likely representing a seismic shift—not just in ideology, but in management approaches, leadership styles and appointments. An in-depth discussion of the challenges facing New York in the areas of health care, affordable housing, public education and government reform.
Read MoreOver the past year and half, the state legislature and Governor Pataki have modified New York’s Rockefeller Drug Laws. How effective have thosechanges been? Is further reform needed? What else could be done to improve the state’s drug policies, increase access to treatment for offenders and make alternatives to incarceration more meaningful and effective?
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