An Honorable Profession

In this week's episode, we replay NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan's appearance on a recent episode of the Moderate Party Podcast - a political podcast for Moderates, Centrists, and Independents hosted by Hillari Lombard. They talked about the true makeup of the party electorate and how these moderate, working-class voters will dictate the party's future. As we move forward, a generational change is happening with new and diverse perspectives on issues such as gun control and the climate crisis. Tune in to hear more about Debbie's reasons for optimism.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Maryland Senator Antonio Hayes of Baltimore City. We talk about some of his legislative successes over the past session, including his sponsorship of the Time to Care Act. Prioritizing increased paid family leave for the many Marylanders who serve as caregivers to family members is something Senator Hayes understands on a personal level, and he talks about his decision to champion the act through its passage and successful override of the governor's veto. We discuss what it's like being a Democrat in a Republican state, how elections can cause mass divisions, what the problems are with the home-appraisal bias, and what our guest thinks about Health Equity Zones. Tune in to hear more from Senator Hayes, including the difference between being a staffer and being a legislator, and how his grandmother inspired him to pursue a career in public service.

Host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with Quentin 'Q' Williams, a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives and Chair of the Housing Committee. Q makes it clear - all communities within Connecticut are facing the same problem: not enough housing. He talks through the housing crisis and how we can mitigate intersectional inequality's negative consequences. Q uses his expertise as a teacher, leader, and politician to explain the effects of changing existing housing policies and making new ones. He walks us through solutions to help people who need it most, and explains why there is a desperate need for supportive, safe, and rehabilitative housing. Tune in to learn how Q is changing the narrative by representing a demographic often silenced.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL Leader Ryan Coonerty talks with Michelle Wilde Anderson, author of the new book, The Fight to Save the Town: Reimagining Discarded America. She discusses the never-ending, vicious poverty spiral and how we desperately need to shift its momentum by promoting mutual investment and coalition building at the institutional level. Plus, she discusses the great recession, the municipal fiscal collapse, the difference between local government tax bases, and the influence of politics on state reform. Tune in to hear more from Michelle about why communities need a robust social fabric to ensure adequate safety, functioning systems, and a healthy environment.

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL Leader Ryan Coonerty talks with Massachusetts representative Andy Vargas and discusses his time in politics while working tirelessly to pass legislation that addresses the needs of his constituents. From passing and implementing the Universal School Meals program to pursuing affordable housing projects and addressing the high cost of living in Massachusetts, Andy always prioritizes the issues that will make a difference in constituents' lives. Our conversation discusses his Dominican heritage, why he decided to go into politics and unpacked the challenges and opportunities of being one of the first Latino voices in an elected body. We also discuss social media's role in politics and why in-person and authentic interaction is so important. Listen now for a conversation that will give you hope for the future of politics in America.

In this episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan is joined by Kate Bolz, former NewDEAL Leader and Nebraska state senator, and current United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development in Nebraska. With USDA, it's Kate's role to oversee the Biden-Harris administration's outreach to and partnership with communities across Nebraska. Kate gives us some insights into rural America, from the challenges rural Americans face, the innovations they're responsible for, and the integral role they play in feeding the rest of the country, to the legislation that supports them in their work and their lives. We discuss the administration's historic investments in rural America and what communities in Nebraska need most. Kate fills us in on the impact of the supply chain issues on these communities during COVID and how that led to innovation in agricultural sectors. Tune in to hear all about the energy-efficient innovations led by rural America, as well as Kate's advice for those looking to connect with rural voters.

In this episode of An Honorable Profession, host and NewDEAL Leader Ryan Coonerty talks with Michigan Representative and Minority Leader Donna Lasinski, management consultant turned legislator, about the political situation in the State of Michigan and the important work she is doing there. Donna uses her experience and passion for the community to bring her ideas and perspectives directly to voters, actively knocking on doors and speaking to individuals in the community. In this way, she is able to forge genuine relationships and ensure voters see the change they want. Donna explains the reasons behind the political upheaval occurring in her state and the positive impacts the Democratic Party is achieving despite the disruption. We talk about how she gets things done as a political minority, the complex political situation in the State of Michigan, and the hope she has for the future of the Democratic party in the state. Hear about her successes working as a representative, such as implementing universal preschool, and her overall experience of politics. She also makes a compelling case for Michigan paddle boarding and demolition derbies. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about a minority representative driving change in her community!

Host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan talks with California Senator Ben Allen, who co-chairs the environmental caucus in the legislature, and chairs the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. Senator Allen talks about his groundbreaking plastic pollution bill, signed into law this year, and delves into the specifics of the bill, who it will affect, and how they built comprehensive bipartisan support for it. He also explains his efforts around election reform, the importance of local journalism, and why compromise doesn't need to be viewed as a dirty word. And don't miss his insights on what it's like to represent Hollywood, and his thoughts on how the film and television industry is made up of much more than just A-list celebrities. For an inspiring episode on democracy, negotiation, and the power of cooperation, make sure you tune in today!

In this week's episode of An Honorable Profession, NewDEAL CEO and host Debbie Cox Bultan talks with San Francisco Treasurer Jose Cisneros about the nuances of managing a major city's portfolio, something he knows well after five terms of serving San Francisco! Treasurer Cisneros explains the importance of thoughtful planning for local governments, whether in bear or bull markets, to ensure they can persevere in the inevitable lean times. They also discuss how his work to boost economic empowerment, including his three stand-out endeavors: The Financial Justice Project, Bank on San Francisco, and Kindergarten to College. Stay tuned to the end to hear why Treasurer Cisneros believes serving on boards and commissions is one of the best ways to get involved with your local community!

In this week's episode of An Honorable Profession, host Ryan Coonerty talks with Indianapolis City Councilmember Maggie Lewis about leading by example to creating an inclusive and pro-growth city in a conservative state. She discusses her personal call to serve others and how her full-time job as CEO of Boys and Girls Club Indianapolis overlaps with her role on the council, particularly in creating more opportunities for students. They also discuss what it's like serving on the Olympic Trials Organization Committee and how she hopes to leverage this into bigger and better events in Indy! Stay tuned to the end to hear some great recommendations for making the most of a trip to Indianapolis!