Previewing 2024 with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks
Release Date: 01/18/2024
Secretary of State Steve Simon Wants High Turnout and Low Drama this November
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In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. In 2022, Secretary Simon was named by ,” and – as we pass the six-month mark in the lead up to November’s election – he talks about his work to make this election one with high turnout and low drama. Simon reflects on Minnesota’s historically high voter turnout over the years, how young voters are feeling about this election, and some of the exciting legislation he’s collaborated on this legislative session to both expand ballot access and bolster election security....
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Representative Megan Srinivas Shares Why Government Needs a Doctor
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Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman on Fostering Alliances
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Recorded at the NewDEAL Forum Ideas Summit in Phoenix, AZ, this week’s special episode features Oregon State Representative and recently elected majority leader Ben Bowman. He recaps Oregon’s uniquely short legislative session, shares what the rest of the country can learn from the state’s approaches to housing and addiction, and highlights the importance of campaign finance reforms. Ryan and Bowman also talk about his professional journey, his early engagement in public service through student government, and how he aims to foster bipartisan relationships in his new role. Tune in to...
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Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet on Reclaiming Patriotism
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In our latest episode, co-host Ryan Coonety talks with Michigan Senator and Congressional candidate Kristen McDonald Rivet. They discuss Michigan’s Democratic leadership and how the state is adapting to the changing economy, addressing the public’s frustration with out-of-touch leaders, and enduring threats from extremist insurrectionists. Senator McDonald Rivet discusses her caucus’s priority of improving the economy and how, with the newly instated Democratic trifecta in the state, she has successfully championed the Working Family Tax Credit. In addition, she explains that, although...
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Special Episode: AZ Corporation Commissioner Anna Tovar on the State’s Near-Total Abortion Ban
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In today’s special bonus episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Arizona Corporation Commissioner Anna Tovar about last week’s state Supreme Court ruling to resurrect an 1864 near-total abortion ban. Commissioner Tovar gives us an on-the-ground report of the ruling and the fallout in Arizona, including the decision led by extremist Republicans in the state legislature to block an appeal of the draconian law. They also talk about a recent poll conducted by NewDEAL showing that a strong majority of Arizonans believe that the government should protect reproductive rights...
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Representative Marvin Pendarvis Empowers South Carolina Communities
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In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with South Carolina Representative Marvin Pendarvis. They talk about the dynamics of South Carolina’s two-year legislative session, Pendarvis’s economic agenda, and how he actively engages with his constituents while working in a superminority. Pendarvis emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the Democratic party showcases their successes that are improving the lives of Americans across the country, and shares an insightful conversation he had at his local barbershop about the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris Administration. He...
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Transit, Climate, and Housing Innovations with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
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CNN’s Karen Finney on Effective Election Communication
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Debbie Cox Bultan: A Record to Run On
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Today, we’re sharing NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan’s recent appearance on the Moderate Party Podcast – a political podcast focusing on the perspective of moderates, centrists, and Independents. Host Hillari Lombard and Debbie talk about the Biden-Harris Administration’s impressive track record, what it means to be a moderate, why the topic of community is important to the Democratic party, and the media's coverage of this year's election. In addition, they explore specific policy debates facing NewDEALers and their colleagues in state and local government across the county. Tune in to...
info_outlineIn this week's episode, host Ryan Connerty speaks with Michigan Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, who shares the state’s ambitious policy goals, discusses her keys to achieving bipartisan results, and talks about how Michigan is protecting the integrity of its elections. The first woman to lead the Michigan Senate, Brinks rose to public office as the result of a last-minute write-in campaign. Despite never intending to run for office and viewing herself as an "unlikely" politician, Senator Brinks is driven by her experiences as one of five children growing up on her family's dairy farm and is dedicated to shaping policy that provides a safety net for families. Ryan and Senator Brinks reflect on Michigan Democrats' exciting wins on gun safety, reproductive rights, and renewable energy in 2023 and how Brinks hopes to build on these accomplishments in 2024, while continuing to find areas of bipartisan agreement. She also offers a view of the November elections from the Great Lakes State, highlighting the ways that effective Democratic policies are rising above Republican chaos. Tune in to hear Senator Brinks' 2024 game plan for her caucus, as well as her advice for those who are debating a run for office.
(01:55) Welcoming Michigan Senate Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks.
(02:35) An overview of how things have been going in Michigan at the start of 2024.
(04:39) The Michigan Clean Energy Act and the state’s ambitious goal of having 100% Clean energy by 2040.
(07:56) How Senator Brinks champions bipartisan collaboration.
(10:39) How Michigan is leading nationally on election integrity and security in response to the 2020 election.
(12:42) The Senate Majority Leader’s perspective on the future of democratic participation and whether the country can move past election denialism and misinformation.
(14:51) Her unexpected journey to politics through education, non-profits, and volunteering.
(16:35) How her experiences growing up inform her work today.
(21:42) Why economic and community development in Michigan requires an all-the-above approach to uplifting families.
(23:32) Senator Brinks’s personal experience working in government as someone who never intended to run for office.
(27:35) A view of the 2024 election from the Great Lakes State and why an earlier primary in Michigan is more representative of the country as a whole.
(28:28) Chaos in the Michigan Republican party in juxtaposition with the proven efficacy of the Democratic party.