Radically Pragmatic, a podcast from the Progressive Policy Institute

Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career Oct 10, 2024

On this episode of Radically Pragmatic, Bruno Manno, PPI's Senior Advisor and Director of the What Works Lab, talks to Michael Horn about his new book, Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career, co-written by Ethan Bernstein and Bob Moesta.

Michael is the co-founder of, and a distinguished fellow at, the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation and teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His book will be released on November 19. You can find more information at https://michaelbhorn.com

MOSAIC MOMENT: The TRIUMPH Framework, ft. Talila Millman Jul 22, 2024

On this episode of Radically Pragmatic's Mosaic Moment, Mosaic alumna Talila Millman joins PPI's Sarah Paden to discuss her new book, "The TRIUMPH Framework." Millman draws upon her decades of experience in high-level Fortune 500 roles to provide her seven keys to leadership for the next generation of women leaders.

Closing the Funding Gap: Charter Schools in Washington State, ft. State Senator Mark Mullet Feb 22, 2024

On this episode of RAS Reports, PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Project Co-Director Tressa Pankovits sits down with Washington State Senator Mark Mullet (D-Issaquah) to discuss his bill S.B. 5809 which is designed to close the funding gap experienced by public charter schools in Washington state.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Democrats for Education Reform, ft. Jorge Elorza Nov 16, 2023

On this episode of RAS Reports, PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Project Co-Director Tressa Pankovits sits down with Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) and former Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island to discuss the importance of school choice and what voters need to look for in 2024.

Learn more about DFER here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project ⁠here⁠.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: What It’s Really Like to Testify Before Congress Nov 02, 2023

On this episode of the Mosaic Moment Director of Mosaic, Jasmine Stoughton, sits down with Sara Nichols, Environment and Economic Development Director at the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, to share her experience testifying before Congress. Get a behind the scenes look at what goes into a Congressional hearing from the perspective of an expert witness.

Watch the Congressional hearing and read Sara Nichols’s written testimony here.

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Taking on Ticketmaster: Why Competition Benefits Consumers Sep 15, 2023

On this episode of Radically Pragmatic, Dr. Diana Moss, Vice President and Director of Competition Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute, sits down with Russ D'Souza, co-founder of SeatGeek, and Terrell McSweeny, former Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, to discuss the Ticketmaster and Live Nation monopoly.

In the episode, Moss and guests outline the Live Nation monopoly story and how their restrictive policies and contracts ensure Ticketmaster is the only ticketing platform available, hurting consumers. Ticketmaster has 70% share of the market and Live Nation has a similar market share in exclusive contracts and in recent years, music and sports fans have been outspoken about their lack of choices.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Building the Next Digital Workforce Generation Aug 03, 2023

On this episode of the Mosaic Moment, Jasmine Stoughton sits down with PPI’s Director of Workforce Development Policy, Taylor Maag, and Senior Software Engineer, Eela Nagaraj, to talk about the importance of building a strong digital workforce and how governments and the tech industry are ensuring the next generation of skilled professionals.

Taylor unpacks findings from her research paper, “Closing the Digital Skills Gap: Unveiling Insights from Four Countries,” and Eela shares insights from her experiences as a senior software engineer and as a volunteer instructor teaching technology education to folks from underrepresented and forced-migration backgrounds.

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The Future is Woman, feat. Kaya Henderson Jul 25, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "The Future is Woman" recorded live at the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the fifth and final episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Dr. Kaya Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Reconstruction.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Future is Woman, feat Naomi Shelton Jul 20, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "The Future is Woman" recorded live at the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the fourth episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Naomi Shelton, Chief Executive Officer at the National Charter Collaborative.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Future is Woman, feat. Tracey Dumas Clark & Crystal Gilliam Jul 18, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "The Future is Woman" recorded live at the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the third episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Tracey Dumas Clark, Chief Program Officer at 4.0 and Crystal Gilliam, Director of Philanthropic Programming at 4.0.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Future is Woman, feat. Steph Walters Jul 13, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "The Future is Woman" recorded live at the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the second episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Steph Walters, Director of Engagement and Communications at Yellow.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Future is Woman, feat. Dr. Steve Perry Jul 11, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "The Future is Woman" recorded live at the 2023 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In the first episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Dr. Steve Perry, Founder and Head of Schools at Capital Preparatory Schools.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: State Governments Are The New Frontier May 24, 2023

On this episode of the Mosaic Moment, PPI's State and Local Political Director Reid Fauble sits down with Sahar Fathi, Policy Director for the Washington State Attorney General's office and Mosaic Project Alum to discuss her role in the Washington State AG's office, why the legislative work and policy initiatives of state and local legislative chambers matter, and how state and local governments will serve as the new frontier of shared democratic values.

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The Future of Schools, Part 2 May 18, 2023

In part 2 of this two part series, PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project Co-Director Curtis Valentine, in collaboration with EdChoice, sits down for a live panel conversation and podcast recording at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego with Sharif El-Mekki, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Black Educator Development and Mikyeil El-Mekki, and Matthew Mugo Fields, Executive Leadership of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Learn more about EdChoice here.

The Future of Schools, Part 1 May 11, 2023

In part 1 of this two part series, PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project Co-Director Curtis Valentine, in collaboration with EdChoice, sits down for a live panel conversation and podcast recording at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego with Nina Gilbert, Executive Director of the Center for Excellence in Education at Morehouse College, and Sharhonda Bossier, Chief Executive Officer of Education Leaders of Color. They discuss the future of education, the future of teaching, and importance of school choice for families across America.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Learn more about EdChoice here.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Future is Now! Featuring Janelle Wood May 08, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "WHAT NEXT: The Future is Now!" recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas. In the fifth and final episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director sits down with Janelle Wood, Founder and CEO of the Black Mothers Forum.

Learn more about the Black Mothers Forum here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Future is Now! Featuring Jay Artis-Wright Apr 14, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "WHAT NEXT: The Future is Now!" recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas. In the fourth episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director sits down with Jay Artis-Wright.

Learn more about Jay-Artis Wright here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Future is Now! Featuring Dr. Constance Lindsay Apr 13, 2023

PPI’s ⁠Reinventing America’s Schools⁠ (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "WHAT NEXT: The Future is Now!" recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas. In the third episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director sits down with Dr. Constance Lindsay.

Learn more about Dr. Constance Lindsay here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project ⁠here⁠.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute ⁠here⁠.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Internet Access as We Know It Apr 12, 2023

According to The International Telecommunications Union, two-thirds of the world now has internet access. On this month’s episode of the Mosaic Moment, PPI’s Ed Gresser sits down with two of the nation’s leading broadband experts, Meagan Bolton and Christine O’Connor to discuss where connectivity gaps remain and what U.S. policymakers are doing to bridge this digital divide.

From infrastructure challenges to new digital trade policies, hear what these experts have to say about the future of internet access, adoption, and affordability.

Follow Ed Gresser on Twitter: @EBGresser
Follow Christine O’Connor on Twitter: @CNOConnor
Follow Meagan Bolton on Twitter: @MeaganSunn
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WHAT'S NEXT: The Future is Now! Featuring Dr. Charles Cole Apr 11, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series titled "WHAT NEXT: The Future is Now!" recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas. In the second episode of this five-part series, RAS co-director sits down with Dr. Charles Cole.

Learn more about Dr. Charles Cole here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Future is Now! Featuring Emory Edwards of Ed Choice Mar 29, 2023

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has a new podcast series on titled "WHAT NEXT: The Future is Now!" recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas.

In the first episode of our five-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Emory Edwards of EdChoice. Emory Edwards is the Vice President of Outreach for EdChoice, which is a nonprofit that works to ensure families have the ability to choose the best education for them. In this episode, Curtis and Emory discuss the different ways choices can benefit the education system from solving the teacher shortage to reducing class size and increasing representation for everyone in the system. Curtis and Emory speak about what they hope to hear in this year's panel, including the discussion of how culture influences education. To wrap it up, Curtis and Emory look to the future and what they would like schools and classrooms to look like.

Learn more about EdChoice here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Affordable Care Act at 13: An Interview with former HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius Mar 23, 2023

Thirteen years ago, President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress fundamentally transformed the U.S. health care system by providing health insurance coverage that curbed costs and expanded access to millions of Americans. While challenges remain to strengthen the legislation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remains entrenched as a permanent feature of America’s hybrid, public-private health care system, and continues to deliver on its promise to provide near-universal coverage to Americans at an affordable cost. As we look back on the successes and challenges of the Affordable Care Act, the Progressive Policy Institute's Director of Health Care Erin Delaney sits down with former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to reflect on the landmark passage of the ACA and the critical role it played in providing essential coverage to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delaney and Secretary Sebelius look back on the path — 13 years ago — that led to one of the most consequential pieces of health care legislation to be enacted in this country.

Read PPI's Policy Brief on the Affordable Care Act here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Follow the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Child Care, It is a Workforce Issue! Mar 13, 2023

In this episode of the Radically Pragmatic podcast, PPI's Taylor Maag, the Director of Workforce Development Policy speaks with national and state leaders, Linda Smith from the Bipartisan Policy Center and Ashli Watts from the Kentucky Chamber on child care policy in our nation, how it is affecting women in the workforce and bold new solutions to address child care challenges at scale.

Follow Taylor on Twitter here.

Learn more about the New Skills for a New Economy here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Democracy in the Disinformation Era Mar 09, 2023

On this episode of the Mosaic Moment PPI’s Director of the Innovation Frontier Project, Jordan Shapiro sits down with Mosaic alum and Intelligence Analyst for Global Intelligence at Concentric, Rachel Brooks. They define online disinformation, discuss how foreign governments use online disinformation campaigns to target democracies, and unpack their ideas about how to increase protection and resilience for democracies.

Mosaic is a project at the Progressive Policy Institute that aims to put more women at the forefront of policy making by empowering our experts with the tools and connections needed to engage with the media and lawmakers on today's toughest policy challenges.

Follow Jordan Shapiro on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jd_shapiro
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MOSAIC MOMENT: 'Tis the Season... to Talk About Taxes! Feb 23, 2023

It’s that time of year again… It’s tax season, and on this episode of the Mosaic Moment PPI’s Senior Policy Analyst, Nick Buffie, sits down with Mosaic alum and Associate Director of Policy at Prosperity Now, Joanna Ain to talk all things taxes. They talk about the importance of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), why funding the IRS is an equity imperative, and the current state of the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Follow Joanna Ain on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoannaAliseAin
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Joint Episode: The Neoliberal Podcast Discusses Inclusionary Zoning ft. Lauren Bealore of Prosperity Now Feb 16, 2023

Lauren Bealore of Prosperity Now joins Jeremiah Johnson of The Neoliberal Podcast to talk about inclusionary zoning. They Discuss the history of inequity in housing markets, whether or not inclusionary zoning can mend those problems, and what good policies might look like.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Follow PPI on Twitter here.

Joint Episode: The Neoliberal Podcast Sits Down with PPI President Will Marshall to Discuss Common-Sense Immigration Reform Feb 10, 2023

Will Marshall is the president and founder of PPI, and he joins The Neoliberal Podcast this week to discuss immigration policy.

The Neoliberal Podcast discusses how we approach immigration from different angles, and try to find how sensible liberals can find common ground to make immigration reform happen.

This episode originally aired on The Neoliberal Podcast, which can be found here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Follow PPI on Twitter here.

RAS REPORTS: How Peltier et al. v. Charter Day School could affect student gender discrimination Feb 03, 2023

On this episode of RAS Reports, the Co-Directors of the Reinventing America's Schools Project, Curtis Valentine and Tressa Pankovits, sit down to discuss Tressa's recent op-ed in The Hill concerning Peltier et al. v. Charter Day School, the North Carolina court case about charter schools and school uniforms. This case involves a public charter school in North Carolina that does not allow girls to wear pants or shorts, only skirts and jumper-type dresses. When asked, the school refused to change their policy and said that boys and girls should be required to dress differently to emphasize chivalry and the dress code is part of a code of conduct where women are "regarded as fragile vessels that men are supposed to take care of". Parents decried the policy as gender discrimination and sued under the equal protection clause, Title IX and the charter school's own contractual agreement with the state of North Carolina Board of Education. Tressa argues that this case could act as a "gateway drug" to allowing other publicly funded education to discriminate on the basis of race or gender or disability.

Read Tressa's opinion piece here.

Follow Tressa on Twitter here.

Follow Curtis on Twitter here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: 4 Bipartisan Financial Imperatives for the 118th Congress Jan 10, 2023

On this month’s Mosaic Moment, program director and host, Jasmine Stoughton sits down with Kirsten Wegner, CEO of the Modern Markets Initiative to talk about her latest op-ed outlining the four bipartisan imperatives to ensure safe and sound capital markets.

Kirsten unpacks what’s working well for investors and shares her bipartisan recommendations for improving the existing market structure. They talk about ideas for regulating the digital assets market and explore the role Congress can play in advancing the research and development of financial technologies such as AI and automated traders.

Check out Kirsten’s op-ed “Safe and Sound Capital Markets Are a Bipartisan Imperative” in RealClearMarkets.

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MOSAIC MOMENT: Contracting and Gig Work in the Modern Economy Dec 14, 2022

On this week’s episode of the Mosaic Moment, Program Director, Jasmine Stoughton, sits down with Mosaic alum, Dr. Liz Wilke, to explore her new report, “Supporting Contractors’ Career Development in the Future of Work.” They discuss holes in the social safety net for both contractors and employees, the complexities of filing taxes as an independent worker, and how upskilling and career training could be the key to navigating our modern economy.

Read Dr. Wilke's paper here.

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MOSAIC MOMENT: Transatlantic Takeaways Nov 15, 2022

Last month, the Progressive Policy Institute hosted an established group of 12 women in tech and workforce development policy, traveling to London, Brussels and Berlin to meet with political leaders, policy experts and thought-leaders across Europe.

On this episode of the Mosaic Moment, host and program director, Jasmine Stoughton, asks what one transatlantic policy was most interesting and why. Hear from Joanna Ain, Fallon Wilson and Liz Wilke on the U.K. and European policies that made the biggest impact on them during their time abroad!

Guest speakers:

Joanna Ain is an associate director of policy at Prosperity Now. Follow Joanna on Twitter.
Dr. Fallon Wilson is the vice president of policy at the Multicultural Media and Telecommunication Internet Council. Follow Fallon on Twitter.
Dr. Liz Wilke is the principal economist at Gusto. Follow Liz on Twitter.

Mosaic is a project at the Progressive Policy Institute that aims to put more women at the forefront of policy making by empowering our experts with the tools and connections needed to engage with the media and lawmakers on today's toughest policy challenges.

Follow Mosaic on Twitter and LinkedIn

The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1989, PPI started as the intellectual home of the New Democrats and earned a reputation as President Bill Clinton’s “idea mill.” Today, PPIs work centers on fortifying the vital liberal center against the global rise of illiberal populism and nationalism. Many of PPI’s groundbreaking policy innovations have been translated into U.S. policy and law, and have influenced center-left political leaders around the world.

Follow PPI on Twitter and LinkedIn

Forging A Transatlantic Dialogue Jul 18, 2022

Does Germany struggle with homelessness the same way cities like Denver do? What can the U.S. learn from Germany in regard to improvements to public transportation infrastructure?

In the Fall of 2019, the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) partnered with Das Progressive Zentrum (DPZ) and Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft (AHG) for a new project titled "New Urban Progress: Transatlantic Dialogue on the Future of Work, Democracy, and Well-being" which is aimed at fostering metro innovation and democratic renewal in the spirit of a transatlantic dialogue.

The organizations joined forces and convened a group of fellows consisting of public servants, policy experts, and community activists from Germany and the United States for a collaboration that involves two international tours, four conferences, and ten cities, all while the twenty project fellows study how we can reimagine transatlantic relations and positively impact cities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Neel Brown, Managing Director at the Progressive Policy Institute sits down with Maria Willett, Chief of Staff to Mayor Bryan K. Barnett of Rochester Hills, Michigan and Steffen Haake, Senior Consultant at Dataport who are both New Urban Progress fellows and offer their thoughts on what they learned from the fellowship.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute and the New Urban Progress project.

Learn more about Das Progressive Zentrum.

Learn more about Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft.

Dueling Decisions in the Fight for Gun Safety Jun 30, 2022

On a new episode of Radically Pragmatic, PPI’s Director of Health Care Arielle Kane sits down with Everytown for Gun Safety’s Legal Director Jonas Oransky to discuss the latest developments in the bipartisan movement to pass gun safety legislation. Their conversation comes as President Biden signs a new bipartisan gun safety bill into law — the first in almost 30 years — against the backdrop of horrific mass shootings and a dangerous reversal of commonsense gun laws from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Learn more about Everytown for Gun Safety here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS Reports: Backlash Against the U.S. Department of Education May 17, 2022

Last week was National Charter Schools Week, and instead of celebrating the quality education that public charters provide to millions of students, the Department of Education is working to undermine the ability of these schools to function.

As hundreds of parents and students descended on Washington to make their voices heard, PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Co-Director Tressa Pankovits went to the White House to hear from some of these advocates. She talked with protestors about why public charter schools are so important to them, and how these newly proposed rules would make it more difficult for public charter schools to win federal start-up grants which charter schools rely on to operate.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Making Insulin More Affordable Apr 27, 2022

On this week's episode of Radically Pragmatic, Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) sits down with PPI's Director of Health Care Arielle Kane to discuss his bill, The Affordable Insulin Now Act, which passed the House last month and would lower the cost of insulin prescriptions for Americans with diabetes.

Currently, the average American family pays $683 a month for an insulin prescription, even though a vial of the drug costs drug companies $10 to make. That's why this vital legislation, introduced by Rep. Kildee, would create a monthly $35 cap on out-of-pocket costs for insulin. In the episode, the Congressman talks about his personal experience with the skyrocketing costs of the lifesaving drug, after learning his daughter was diagnosed as a type-1 diabetic. The Congressman also talks about the importance of lowering the price of prescription drugs for Americans and what he's doing in Congress to get it done.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute: www.progressivepolicy.org

RAS Reports: Democrats Stand Up for Charter Schools Apr 07, 2022

On this episode of RAS Reports, Tressa Pankovits, Co-Director of the Reinventing America's Schools Project sits down with New Mexico State Senator Siah Correa Hemphill and Representative Joy Garratt to talk about a bill they successfully sponsored and passed into law this legislative session. New Mexico House Bill 43 creates a revolving facility fund that charter schools can access in order to provide high quality buildings for their students. In today's highly polarized environment, with many many lawmakers turning their backs on charters at the behest of the teachers unions, these two Democrats are standing for charter schools and their students and families.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: How Access to Broadband Affects Access to Care Mar 23, 2022

In this week’s episode of Mosaic Moment, PPI’s Director of Health Care, Arielle Kane, sits down with Dr. Sarah Oh Lam from the Technology Policy Institute to discuss the benefits and barriers to telehealth services. In a recent blog post Arielle writes, “Without addressing barriers like unequal broadband distribution and limited access to video-capable devices, telehealth won’t live up to its potential.” Dr. Oh Lam lends her expertise in broadband, exploring policy recommendations that would expand internet access and promote digital literacy while Arielle discusses what lawmakers can do to ensure telehealth patients get the highest quality care possible.

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

THE FUTURE OF TEACHING: How Can We Save Teacher Professional Development? Mar 14, 2022

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has partnered with The 74 Million to tape a new podcast series on the “Future of Teaching” recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas.

In the final episode of our four-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Sarah Johnson. Sarah Johnson serves as CEO of Teaching Lab, a non-profit dedicated to shifting the paradigm of teacher professional learning for educational equity. In this wide-ranging discussion, Curtis and Sarah discuss how she came to lead Teaching Lab and why teacher development is critical to putting effective teachers in classrooms across America. Curtis asks Sarah to offer her insight on what trainers can do to better prepare educators for the future of learning and discuss what changes to the educational landscape can be expected over the next year.

Learn more about The 74 Million here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Learn more about the Teaching Lab here.

THE FUTURE OF TEACHING: Reshaping School Leadership for the Future, Pt. 2 Mar 11, 2022

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has partnered with The 74 Million to tape a new podcast series on the “Future of Teaching” recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas.

In the third episode of our four-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine continues the conversation from the previous episode about reshaping school leadership for the future as he sits down with Atlanta Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring. In this intriguing conversation, Dr. Herring discusses her path to becoming Superintendent of Atlanta’s Public School system and details why empowering teachers is critical toward ensuring the success of students both in the classroom and in their future careers. Finally, Curtis and Dr. Herring look ahead to next year’s conference and discuss what changes to the educational landscape can be expected over the next year.

Learn more about The 74 Million here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Connect with Dr. Herring (@DrLisaHerring) on Twitter here.

Connect with Atlanta Public Schools (@apsupdate) on Twitter here.

THE FUTURE OF TEACHING: Reshaping School Leadership for the Future, Part 1 Mar 10, 2022

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has partnered with The 74 Million to tape a new podcast series on "The Future of Teaching” recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas.

In the second episode of our four-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Jean Desravines. Jean Desravines serves as the CEO of New Leaders, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure high academic achievement for all children, especially students in poverty and students of color, by developing transformational school leaders and advancing the policies and practices that allow great leaders to succeed. In this engaging discussion, Curtis and Jean discuss the current state of school leadership in the U.S. and its direct impacts on teachers. Additionally, Jean offers a preview of what he will be presenting at the conference and offers advice for school leaders intent on preparing teachers for the future of learning. Curtis and Jean look ahead to next year’s conference and discuss what changes to the educational landscape can be expected over the next year.

Learn more about The 74 Million here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

THE FUTURE OF TEACHING: Disrupting Racial Inequities in K-12 Schools Mar 09, 2022

PPI’s Reinventing America’s Schools (RAS) Project has partnered with The 74 Million to tape a new podcast series on "The Future of Teaching” recorded at the SXSW Education conference in Austin, Texas.

In the debut episode of our four-part series, RAS co-director Curtis Valentine sits down with Tequilla Brownie. Brownie serves as CEO of The New Teacher Project, a non-profit with a mission of ending educational inequality by providing excellent teachers to the students who need them most and by advancing policies and practices that ensure effective teaching in every classroom. In this engaging conversation, Curtis asks Tequilla to discuss what steps need to be taken to disrupt racial inequities in the classroom and what advice she has for school leaders working to ensure their teachers are prepared for the future of learning. In addition, Curtis and Tequilla look ahead to next year’s conference and discuss what changes can be expected to the educational landscape over the next year.

Learn more about The 74 Million here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Could Ignoring Swing Voters Reopen the Door for Donald Trump? Mar 04, 2022

In September 1989, the brand-new Progressive Policy Institute published The Politics of Evasion: Democrats and the Presidency. Nearly 33 years later, this political study maintains more than just historical interest today as the Democratic Party once again must wrestle with basic questions of political outlook and electoral strategy.

Written by political scholars William Galston and Elaine Kamarck, their analysis refuted the principal “myths” that the party’s establishment embraced to explain away recent losses and avoid confronting the fundamental reasons voters were rejecting its candidates. The Politics of Evasion laid the political predicate for the rise of the “New Democrats” and Bill Clinton and their successful efforts to infuse new ideas into a stale governing agenda and snap the string of presidential defeats.

Today, Democrats obviously face a very different political environment and set of electoral challenges. What hasn’t changed, however, is the need for unflinching honesty about the party’s struggles to consolidate a broad and a durable majority — even after four years of Donald Trump’s chaotic, divisive and lawless presidency.

Facing a difficult midterm election and the ominous prospect of a second Trump run for the White House, Democrats are once again in need of a political reality check. Galston and Kamarck have obliged with a fresh analysis of the party’s predicament: The New Politics of Evasion: How Ignoring Swing Voters Could Reopen the Door for Donald Trump and Threaten American Democracy.

In this episode of the Radically Pragmatic podcast, William and Elaine sit down with PPI President Will Marshall to unpack the contents of their new report and discuss what changes Democrats need to make in order to stop Republicans from taking back control of Congress this November and the White House in 2024.

Read the report here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

What is Cryptocurrency? Regulating An Unprecedented Technology Feb 23, 2022

Cryptocurrency has taken the world by storm. Depending on the day, digital currencies are now cumulatively valued at several trillion dollars. Financial and nonfinancial corporate executives, once dismissive, increasingly understand the importance of cryptocurrency and related technologies for the future.

However, the federal government is only in the early stages of deciding how to regulate cryptocurrency, which could have enormous implications going forward.

In this condensed conversation hosted by the Progressive Policy Institute, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) provides some remarks on his experience in the field and where he sees his role as a Member of Congress in regulating this unprecedented technology. His remarks ignited a dynamic discussion with business leaders, including Dante Disparte, Circle’s Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy, Kirsten Wegner, CEO of the Modern Markets Initiative and a Mosaic Project cohort member, and Michael Katz, Director of Legal, Digital Currency Group. PPI's Vice President and Chief Economist Michael Mandel moderated the conversation.

Watch the full panel event here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS REPORTS: The Pathway to a Quality Public Education for All Feb 16, 2022

On this episode of RAS Reports, Curtis Valentine, Co-Director of the Reinventing America’s Schools project, sits down with Karega Rausch, the President and CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers. NACSA works to advance and strengthen the ideas and practices of charter school authorizing so students and communities – especially those who are historically under-resourced – thrive. Karega Rausch has extensive experience in charter school authorizing, education research and policy, community engagement, and strategic advocacy. In this vibrant conversation, Curtis and Karega discuss what makes charter schools successful and highlight the potential that charter schools have to provide all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, with a quality public education.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Can Big Tech Save Us from Algorithmic Bias? Feb 10, 2022

On this episode of the Radically Pragmatic podcast, Dr. Kalinda Ukanwa sits down with Jordan Shapiro, PPI’s Data and Economic Policy Analyst, to discuss her new paper entitled, “Breaking Up Big Tech Will Not Prevent Algorithmic Harm to Society.” Dr. Ukanwa and Jordan dive into what algorithms really are and how they’re simultaneously helping and harming consumers. They unpack why breaking up Big Tech is not the solution to the algorithm bias problem, and they explore what actions can be taken to remedy algorithmic harm on a societal level and in your everyday life.

Dr. Kalinda Ukanwa is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business who researches how algorithmic bias, algorithmic decision-making, and consumer reputations impact firms. Follow Dr. Ukanwa on Twitter at @KalindaUkanwa.

Follow Jordan Shapiro, PPI’s Data and Economic Policy Analyst on Twitter at @jd_shapiro.

Read the report here.

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Living with COVID in the New Year and Beyond Feb 02, 2022

As variants of the COVID-19 virus continue to emerge, it's becoming more and more clear that this epidemic is becoming endemic. As the world continues to grapple with the reality that this virus is here to stay, how do we begin to live in our new normal, and how do we balance the tradeoffs between combating the spread of COVID-19 and letting normal life resume?

Last week, PPI's Director of Health Policy Arielle Kane brought together an esteemed panel of experts, including Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA) and Dr. Leana Wen, for a panel event to discuss living with COVID in the New Year and Beyond. This episode is a segment of their conversation.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS REPORTS: Celebrating National School Choice Week! Jan 26, 2022

In this week's episode of RAS Reports, Curtis Valentine and Tressa Pankovits, Co-Directors of PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Project, celebrate National School Choice Week by discussing new developments in the movement to provide access to affordable, quality education to all of America's youth. The hosts highlight Innovation Schools in Indianapolis, IN which serve as a prime example of the benefits of granting schools the flexibility to make decisions tailored to the specific needs of their student body. Curtis and Tressa discuss how these "schools of choice" attract high-quality teachers, produce higher learning outcomes, and gives parents more power to decide what educational environment is best for their student.

The National School Choice Week celebration continues Thursday, January 27 at 3:00PM ET with a panel of teachers who work in "schools of choice." Hear in their own words how their decision to work in these schools has positively impacted their passion for the work, their students and their overall job satisfaction.

Learn more about the Reinventing America’s Schools Project here.

Learn more the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Growth, Resiliency and Sustainability in New Orleans Jan 07, 2022

On a new episode of Radically Pragmatic, PPI’s Mosaic Economic Project examines the findings of the 2021 Greater New Orleans Startup Report. The episode explores topics such as the growth, resiliency, and economic sustainability of New Orleans – including the effects of increased remote work options – and dives into solutions to bridge gaps in race and gender equity in critical areas from entrepreneurship to COVID relief.

Hosts Jasmine Stoughton and Crystal Swann were joined by Emily Egan, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Tulane University, and Ann Marshall Tilton, Community Engagement Manager at the Albert Lepage Center.

Read the 2021 Great New Orleans Startup Report here.

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

What Role Does Natural Gas Play in Meeting Global Energy and Climate Goals? Dec 08, 2021

On this week's episode, Paul Bledsoe, author of a new PPI report titled "The Role of Natural Gas in Limiting European Union Emissions: Key Opportunities to Cut Methane, Coal and CO2" sits down to explain the major implications for U.S. and global climate policy, as well as some of the key recommendations from the report.

The report calls for an international effort to accurately verify and monitor methane emissions from domestic and imported gas and then regulate emissions to as close to zero as possible. These actions, if taken together, could play a major role in reducing greenhouse as global emissions as renewable energy grows.

Read the full report here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS REPORTS: The State of Education in America Dec 02, 2021

On the first episode of RAS Reports, Co-Director of PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Project Curtis Valentine sits down with RAS Advisory Board Member and Fort Worth, Texas School Board Leader Cinto Ramos to explore the importance of school boards among students, parents, and local leaders. What challenges do school boards face post-COVID? And what opportunities are created from having to reinvent the wheel?

In addition, Curtis and Cinto dive into Texas SB 1882, as well as the 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial election that helped catapult school board leaders and the education debate into the national spotlight.

Learn more about the Reinventing America’s Schools Project here.

Learn more the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Is American Technological Leadership Under Attack? Nov 18, 2021

The Progressive Policy Institute's Innovation Frontier Project released a comprehensive research deck on the threats facing American innovation. The authors of the deck, innovation experts Ashish Arora and Sharon Belenzon of Duke University, found the United States has lost a substantial amount of corporate research since the 1980s, with only a handful of present-day U.S.-based companies investing in research at a meaningful level.

The deck also lays out clear political implications for lawmakers. The Biden Administration's top strategic economic priorities are based on a foundation of strong U.S. competitiveness and innovation, yet Congress’s percolating anti-tech antitrust legislation would undermine these priorities by impairing the ability of America’s few leading R&D performers to develop new products and enter new markets. The restrictions on these companies will reduce our national investment in R&D and hurt American economic prosperity and national security.

Jack Karsten, Managing Director of the Innovation Frontier Project, and Michael Mandel, Vice President and Chief Economic Strategist at PPI break down the deck's research and discuss how antitrust legislation in Congress would devastate American technological leadership and innovation.

Check out the research deck here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Saving Money and Lives: How Telehealth Revolutionized Health Care During the Pandemic Nov 10, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Americans inside their homes and restricted access to critical services, including health care. However, telehealth technology that was previously only used by a fraction of patients turned out to be a reliable way for all Americans to access health care services from the safety of their homes.

A new bipartisan report by the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) and Americans for Prosperity (AFP) found that over the duration of the pandemic, the costs of telehealth care fell, suggesting that in a post-pandemic world telehealth could help increase access to medical care without increasing costs.

The report, authored by PPI Director of Health Care Arielle Kane and Americans for Prosperity Health Policy Analyst Charlie Katebi, found that at the outset of the pandemic, telehealth use skyrocketed, as did costs for those who utilized it versus those who didn’t. But as time went on, the average telehealth patient spent less on health care services than the average in-person patient. In the final month of the study, telehealth patients spent 26% less than the average in-person patient. Further, when excluding the first three months of near complete lockdowns, telehealth patients had lower overall health care utilization.

Read the report here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute.

Learn more about Americans for Prosperity.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Growing Women-Owned Businesses Through Private Capital Oct 22, 2021

On today's episode of Radically Pragmatic, PPI's Mosaic Economic Project brought together a panel of women to discuss the intersection of access to private capital formation for new and small businesses owned by women and particularly minority women; how the response to the pandemic (government stimulus intervention including PPP) has impacted entrepreneurs and what policies looking forward can and will make a difference in accessing private capital for women entrepreneurs.

Joining Jasmine Stoughton, Project Manager of the Mosaic Economic Project is Emily Egan, a graduate of Mosaic's Women Changing Policy Working and Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Tulane University; Kim Armor, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director at Comcast Ventures; and Emily Waldorf, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development at Comcast.

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Let's Talk Tech: How Would Antitrust Legislation Affect You? Oct 14, 2021

This week, Chief Economic Strategist at PPI, Michael Mandel, and Senior Fellow at AEI, Shane Tews, sit down to discuss the current antitrust legislation in Congress and how it will affect everyday consumers. What happens to Amazon Basics? And what about Kirkland products? Is breaking up big tech really what consumers are concerned about?

Today's episode is moderated by Jeremiah Johnson, Director of the Center for New Liberalism.

Learn more about the Center for New Liberalism here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Reconciling with Reality: An Audio Guide to PPI’s Build Back Better Blueprint Oct 06, 2021

Recently, the Progressive Policy Institute’s Center for Funding America’s Future released a focused blueprint for delivering on President Biden’s promise to Build Back Better while addressing the concerns of moderates who cannot support $3.5 trillion of new spending. The report is titled “Reconciling with Reality: The top priorities for building back better,” and is authored by Ben Ritz, Director of the Center for Funding America’s Future.

Ben Ritz joined the Radically Pragmatic podcast to give listeners a walk through of the current state of play in Congress, top priorities for building back better, and how PPI's must-read blueprint offers a bold and pragmatic solution to the current stalemate. Jeremiah Johnson, Policy Director for the Center for New Liberalism, also joined the conversation and offered his insight into the fast-changing situation.

Some background on what's going on: The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by the U.S. Senate in August remains snagged by internal disagreements among Congressional Democrats about the size and cost of the follow-on social investment package party leaders hope to pass with reconciliation rules that are not subject to a Republican filibuster. Democrats will likely need to reach a compromise on the reconciliation package by October 31st so they can pass the infrastructure bill before funding for the nation’s highway program expires.

Read PPI's blueprint here.

Learn more about the Center for Funding America's Future here.

Learn more about the Center for New Liberalism here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

TALK POLICY: Apprenticeships with Dr. Chandra Childers Sep 23, 2021

On this segment of Talk Policy, Director of Social Policy Veronica Goodman sits down with Dr. Chandra Childers, Study Director at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Their discussion focuses on the concept of apprenticeships, its benefits for workers, and the historical context on the racial and gender makeup of these job training programs.

Also, check out “Here to Stay: Black, Latina, and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Trades Apprenticeships and Employment,” a paper focusing on how the COVID crisis has put a spotlight on skilled construction trades, and the opportunities it has presented for Black, Latina, and Afro Latina women.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Improving Electricity Transmission Siting Opportunities with Senator John Hickenlooper Sep 16, 2021

Recently, the Progressive Policy Institute hosted an event with U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and a panel of energy experts, focused on expanding power line capacity to enable renewable energy deployment. PPI's Strategic Climate Advisor Paul Bledsoe moderated the conversation and raised questions about how the US can improve its electric infrastructure to reach President Biden's clean energy goals. As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Senator Hickenlooper spoke of his own efforts to improve transmission siting opportunities and clean energy initiatives.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Future of AI with Congressman Bill Foster Sep 09, 2021

On this week’s Radically Pragmatic Podcast, Dr. Michael Mandel, Chief Economic Strategist at the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), sits down with Representative Bill Foster (IL-11), to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and the future of work.

Dr. Mandel and Representative Foster discuss the diffusion of technological innovations for individual consumers and small businesses, the role of government in privacy, and the work Congress is doing to advance pro-growth policies that will help spur innovation. In particular, they underscored the urgent need to help small businesses adopt AI and meet the numerous challenges they face.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

TALK POLICY: Administrative Burdens with Pamela Herd and Don Moynihan Sep 01, 2021

On this segment of Talk Policy, Director of Social Policy Veronica Goodman sits down with Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy professors Pamela Herd and Don Moynihan, whose research focuses on public policy and improving social program design, performance, and outcomes. They discuss how administrative burdens prevent those in need from receiving critical welfare benefits and what effect the pandemic has had on these systems.

What changes need to be made? What needs to be done to remove the red tape and simplify these processes? How can policymakers make a positive difference? Listen to find out!

Read Pamela Herd and Don Moynihan's book, "Administrative Burden" here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS REPORTS: We Got Next...The Future of School Choice Aug 12, 2021

The Progressive Policy Institute’s Reinventing America’s Schools Project and The 74 Million hosted a webinar on the future of school choice. Following a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the passage of the first charter school law in America, the Reinventing America’s Schools project looks forward 30 years, and asks what America’s public school system will look like in 2050, and who should be at the table driving change.

The event featured a panel of experts who are taking steps to shape the future of Black & Brown students in America, including Alisha Thomas Morgan, Former Georgia State Representative; Dr. Charles Cole, Founder of Energy Convertors; Naomi Shelton, CEO of the National Charter Collaborative; Jada Bolar, Executive Producer at the National Parents Union, and Patrick Jones, Senior Vice President of The Mind Trust. The event was moderated by Curtis Valentine, Co-Director of Reinventing America’s Schools Project at the Progressive Policy Institute.

Watch the full event on YouTube here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America's Schools Project here.

TALK POLICY: Crime in America with Asst. Professor Aaron Chalfin Aug 05, 2021

On this segment of Talk Policy, Director of Social Policy Veronica Goodman sits down with University of Pennsylvania Criminology Assistant Professor Aaron Chalfin who researches crime and policing. They discussed the recent spike in violent crime and evidence-based approaches for crime prevention. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen!

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

How the Child Tax Credit Is Helping Working Families with Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) Jul 22, 2021

On this week’s Radically Pragmatic Podcast, Veronica Goodman, Director of Social Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI), sits down with Representative Veronica Escobar (TX-16), to discuss the Child Tax Credit.

For context, The American Rescue Plan Act, crafted by the Biden Administration and passed by Congressional Democrats, included a historic expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Qualifying families will see an increased tax credit of $3,000 for each child between the ages of six and 17 years old and $3,600 for each child under the age of six. The increased credit funds — $250 for children between six and 17, and $300 for each child under six — will be provided monthly, giving over 36 million eligible families relief as we recover from the pandemic. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit could lift one-half of all children in America out of poverty.

Families who are eligible for the CTC but have not received their monthly payment should visit IRS.gov or whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

The Neoliberal Project Joins PPI to Discuss Their International Week of Action Jul 08, 2021

On this week's episode, the Neoliberal Project joined Radically Pragmatic, a PPI Podcast to talk about their week of action and the exciting events that are happening across the country and around the globe. Jeremiah Johnson, Policy Director for the Center for New Liberalism and Director of the Neoliberal Project, and Markose Butler, Organizing Director for the Neoliberal Project and the State and Local Outreach Director for PPI, joined Aaron White, Director of Communications for PPI, to explain who the Neoliberal Project is, what they do, and why the week of action is so important. The Neoliberal Project has over 70 local chapters in 12 different countries, many of which are participating in the week of action and promoting the exciting work the Neoliberal Project does year-round.

Learn more about the Neoliberal Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

TALK POLICY: What Young People Need to Succeed with Stephanie Malia Krauss Jun 30, 2021

On this segment of Talk Policy, Director of Social Policy Veronica Goodman sits down with Stephanie Malia-Krauss, educator, social worker, researcher, and writer, to discuss her new book, "Making It: What Today's Kids Need for Tomorrow's World," and what young people need in the first quarter of life to succeed. Stephanie also talks about how her early educational experiences led her to an unexpected field of study and expertise.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Women-Owned Businesses with Congresswoman Sharice Davids Jun 22, 2021

On this week’s Radically Pragmatic Podcast, Crystal Swann, Senior Policy Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute and Mosaic Economic Project lead, and Francella Ochillo, a Mosaic Economic Project Cohort Fellow, attorney and digital rights advocate, sit down with Representative Sharice Davids, D-Ks., to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on women business owners, entrepreneurs and workers.

In addition to the economic impact of the pandemic on communities of color and women, Rep. Davids and the hosts discuss the ongoing negotiations over the upcoming infrastructure legislative packages — the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. They also dive into Rep. Davids’ background as a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Investment Heroes Breakdown: An Audio Guide to PPI's 2021 Investment Heroes Report with Michael Mandel and Alec Stapp Jun 11, 2021

For the last 10 years, the Progressive Policy Institute has released an annual Investment Heroes report which lays out the top companies of the year who invested the most in capital expenditures. With 2020 being a year like no other, PPI's Investment Heroes report looked unlike anything we have seen before and surprisingly, had a record broken for the biggest investment in the 10 years the report has been released.

Listen to Michael Mandel, Chief Economic Strategist and author of the report, and Alec Stapp, Director of Technology, walk listeners through the report and what it means for the future of the American economy.

Read the full 2021 Investment Heroes report here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

TALK POLICY: Increasing Investment in Child Care with Aaron Sojourner May 26, 2021

On this segment of Talk Policy, Director of Social Policy Veronica Goodman sits down with Aaron Sojourner, Labor Economist and Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management to discuss his new report, "Increasing Federal Investment in Children’s Early Care and Education to Raise Quality, Access, and Affordability" and the critical investment included in President Biden's American Families Plan.

Read Aaron Sojourner's report here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Joint Episode: The Neoliberal Podcast Sits Down with Matt Gertz to Discuss the Right Wing Media Monster May 20, 2021

This is a joint episode with The Neoliberal Podcast, and cofounder Jeremiah Johnson sat down with Media Matters Senior Fellow Matt Gertz, who follows the ecosystem of lies that is the right wing media system. Coincidentally, he is often mistaken for a certain Florida GOP Congressman, causing his Twitter mentions to explode. Both Jeremiah and Matt break down the many moving parts of this media monster, and how we ended up with a news cycle that misconstrues reality for millions of Americans.

Learn more about the Neoliberal Project here.

Learn more about Media Matters here.

Follow Matt Gertz on Twitter: @MattGertz

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

UK Unrest: A Frank Conversation About the State of Politics in the United Kingdom and Around the World May 10, 2021

On this week's Radically Pragmatic Podcast, Will Marshall, President of the Progressive Policy Institute sat down with Matt Goodwin, Professor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent, a researcher and a published author. They discussed the dynamic political atmosphere across Europe and how it relates to the US political stage, among a host of other topics and issues.

Matthew Goodwin is an academic, bestseller writer and speaker known for his work on political volatility, risk, populism, British politics, Europe, elections and Brexit. He is Professor of Politics at Rutherford College, University of Kent, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House and previously Senior Fellow with the UK In a Changing Europe.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

May The Fourth Be With You: Congressman Derek Kilmer Joins PPI's Caleb Watney for a Star Wars Themed Episode May 04, 2021

In a Star Wars Day-themed Radically Pragmatic podcast episode, Caleb Watney, Director of Innovation Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute, sits down with Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) - Congress’ top Star Wars super-fan - for Star Wars trivia, and an exciting conversation on the future of technology innovation in America.

Caleb and Rep. Kilmer dig deep into their shared love of Sci-Fi, and talk about how fiction helps inspire technology improvements and innovations that can become a reality. Representative Kilmer also calls for more Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and apprenticeship opportunities and a reinvestment in research and development funding.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Full Speed Ahead: Congressman Seth Moulton Joins Paul Weinstein to Discuss the Need for High-Speed Rail in America Apr 30, 2021

On this week's Radically Pragmatic Podcast episode, Paul Weinstein, Jr., Senior Policy Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute, sits down with Rep. Seth Moulton (MA-06), for a special conversation about infrastructure development and high-speed rail. Congressman Moulton serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the House Budget and Armed Services Committees.

They discuss the need for more high-speed rail funding in the American Jobs Plan, the history of public and private investment in high-speed rail, and the potential for growth of high-speed rail projects across the country. Representative Moulton recently introduced a new bill, the American High-Speed Rail Act, which would invest $205 billion federal dollars into high-speed rail and create at least 2.6 million direct American jobs over five years.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Uplifting Women in a Post-COVID World with Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan Apr 28, 2021

On this week’s Radically Pragmatic Podcast, Crystal Swann, Senior Policy Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute and Mosaic Economic Project lead and Hilary Abell, Mosaic Economic Project Cohort member and co-founder of Project Equity, sit down with Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), a trained engineer, entrepreneur and veteran.

Congresswoman Houlahan serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Additionally, she is the Chair and Founder of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, is Co-Chair of the Women in STEM Caucus, and is a Whip in the New Democrat Coalition.

They discuss the role of women in the new post-COVID economy, removing barriers to childcare, supporting access to capital for women of color seeking to become entrepreneurs, expanding access to affordable health care and more.

This podcast was in partnership with PPI’s Mosaic Economic Project. The Mosaic Economic Project is a network of diverse and highly credentialed women in fields of economics and technology. Mosaic programming focuses on upskilling, connecting, and advocating for cohort participants’ meaningful engagement in public policy debates, with a particular focus on engaging Congress and the media.

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Infrastructure and Coronavirus Relief, a discussion from the perspective of the US Virgin Islands with Rep. Stacey Plaskett Apr 26, 2021

On this week’s Radically Pragmatic Podcast, PPI President Will Marshall and Center for New Liberalism Policy Director Jeremiah Johnson sit down with Rep. Stacey Plaskett, Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the United States Virgin Islands' at-large congressional district. Congresswoman Plaskett serves on the House Ways and Means, Agriculture and Budget Committees, and is a leadership member of the New Democrat Coalition.

They discuss the New Democrat Coalition’s 100 Days Agenda, and the need for continued coronavirus relief and recovery measures - especially for regions like the Virgin Islands. Additionally, Congresswoman Plaskett outlines the critical nature of the American Jobs Plan, and the need to invest in long-term resiliency measures like job training, infrastructure development and clean energy.

Learn more about the Center for New Liberalism here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and Former Kansas City Mayor Sly James Join PPI President Will Marshall and Senior Policy Fellow Crystal Swann Apr 20, 2021

On this week’s Radically Pragmatic Podcast, PPI President Will Marshall and Senior Policy Fellow Crystal Swann sit down with Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a former Mayor of Tacoma, and Sly James, former Mayor of Kansas City.

They discuss a new “metro-federalism” - the role of local leaders in effectively deploying the public resources provided by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act, and how mayors will support the Biden Administration's COVID-19 relief and recovery goals - often as Republican-controlled state legislatures are hostile to the new Democratic administration.

The leaders also discussed the American Jobs Plan, the Biden Administration’s next phase of the Build Back Better agenda, which will invest billions in traditional and human infrastructure so we can get every American - including women - back to work and back on track.

This episode is in partnership with New Urban Progress, who aim to spark a cross-fertilization of ideas for local initiative and problem-solving. The New Urban Progress project compares metropolitan regions that have emerged as hubs of public innovation and collaborative problem-solving, and uses the results as frameworks to build inclusive, innovative, digital, and diverse cities.

Learn more about New Urban Progress here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS REPORTS: How Can Public Charter Schools Improve America's Education System? Apr 15, 2021

Can charter schools help improve America's education system? Tressa Pankovits and Curtis Valentine from the Reinventing America's Schools Project at PPI join the show to discuss charter schools and school choice. What's the value in having local autonomy and experimentation in schools? How do you guard against potential downsides to charter schools? Ultimately, how can charter schools help improve outcomes for students?

Learn more about the Reinventing America’s Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Congressman Ami Bera Talks Health Policy with PPI's Director of Health Care Arielle Kane Apr 08, 2021

On this week’s PPI Podcast, Arielle Kane, PPI’s Director of Health Care sits down with Rep. Ami Bera (CA-7), a leader of the New Democrat Coalition. They discuss National Public Health Week, the critical funding within the American Rescue Plan Act, and the state of health care after the COVID-19 pandemic. Representative Bera also discussed the intersection of health care and infrastructure, and the work Congress and the Biden Administration is doing to improve access to care for all Americans.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Congressman Ron Kind and PPI President Will Marshall Mar 01, 2021

Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin's 3rd District joins the PPI Podcast this week, offering the perspective of a Democrat in a district twice-won by Donald Trump. Kind discusses the work of the New Dem Coalition in the first few weeks of the Biden administration, the impact of Trump's trade war on farmers, and the need for Democrats to step up in rural areas.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Joint Episode: Neoliberal Podcast ft. Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Rea‪d‬ Feb 24, 2021

This week's episode is a joint episode of the Neoliberal Podcast and the PPI Podcast, featuring guest host Colin Mortimer of PPI's Center for New Liberalism. Colin sits down with Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read to talk about the ways Oregon is optimizing its treasury to support and empower Oregonians. Colin and Treasurer Read discuss the day-to-day role of a State Treasurer, and how his team uses the state's investment power to help citizens, as well as how behavioral 'nudge' programs can increase retirement savings.

Learn more about the Center for New Liberalism here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Let's Get to Yes: A Conversation with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene Feb 05, 2021

PPI President Will Marshall welcomes Representative Suzan DelBene of Washington State's First District to this episode of the PPI Podcast. The two discuss the Republican party's identity crisis, the issue of Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the need for the GOP to come to the table on a broad relief package.
They also talk about DelBene's involvement in the New Democrat Coalition, the House's largest ideological caucus focused on a solutions-oriented approach to bipartisan legislation for economic growth and progress. Will Marshall hits on the importance of purple districts like DelBene's, and she highlights the necessity of proving governance still works.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

A Better Public Health Approach to Tobacco Jan 27, 2021

For those concerned about nicotine addiction and tobacco consumption, a ban on flavored tobacco might sound like a good idea. But as Nkechi Taifa explains in this week's PPI Podcast, such bans are going to almost entirely fall onto minority communities.

Several states are considering or have already banned flavored tobacco. Nkechi Taifa agrees with Crystal Swann that in time a time when we are rolling back the war on drugs in favor of a public health approach, we should be doing the same with tobacco.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Congressman Conor Lamb Talks Impeachment, Energy with PPI Jan 13, 2021

PPI President Will Marshall welcomes Congressman Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania's 17th District to the PPI Podcast, just days after Rep. Lamb's dramatic floor speech following the insurrection in the Capitol, in which he lambasted Republicans for supporting the Trump lies that inspired the assault, plus his thoughts on impeaching the president again;

Rep. Lamb shares how he and Biden won their elections in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvania, and the critical importance in that state of energy issues -- including Biden's opposition to a ban on natural gas drilling and a balanced approach on energy which helped him return flip Pennsylvania blue.

The conversation shares the need for a new Democratic approach on energy and climate that recognizes that natural gas is speeding the deployment of renewable energy to the grid; and that our goal should be decarbonizing the economy, not abolishing fossil fuels precipitously, which would cost many Pennsylvania and other energy state workers their jobs and damage their economy.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

How One Tax Might Make Matters Worse Dec 10, 2020

Colin Mortimer, the Director of the Center for New Liberalism, is joined by two special guests. First is Adam Hartke, the co-owner of a music venue in Wichita, Kansas, and the co-chair of the advocacy committee at the National Independent Venues Association. We talk about what it has been like to be a music venue owner during this pandemic, suffering the brunt of the economic fallout. Second, PPI's Chief Economic Strategist Michael Mandel comes on to talk about how an obscure tax cut that expires in December might make the recovery for music venues, bars, restaurants, brewers, and others even more difficult than it was already expected to be.

Learn more about the Center for New Liberalism here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

MOSAIC MOMENT: Bringing Diversity to Economic Thought Oct 20, 2020

The Progressive Policy Institute is proud to launch The Mosaic Economic Project to createa network of diverse women who are experts in economics and technology – fields where their perspectives are grossly underrepresented. The mission of Mosaic is to train, connect, host and advocate for the participation of women, particularly minority women, in meaningful policy conversations. Listen in to this conversation with women leaders including:

Keynote:

Tammy Wincup, President, Protocol

Speakers:

Jewel Burks Solomon – Head of Google for Startups, US
Dr. Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe – Former President, National Economic Association and Women’s Institute for Science, Equity and Race (WISER)
Dr. Beth Ann Bovino – Chief US Economist, S&P Global

Moderator:

Crystal Swann, Mosaic Project Senior Leadership

Learn more about the Mosaic Economic Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Panel Discussion with Tech Policy Experts on the Future of the Gig Economy and a New Vision for Workers Oct 16, 2020

Listen in on this panel discussion on challenges facing workers in the gig economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for a new policy vision that can guarantee flexibility while providing portable benefits. Featuring Experts from the Progressive Policy Institute and American Action Forum:

Alec Stapp: Director of Technology Policy, PPI
Mike Mandel: Chief Economic Strategist, PPI
Jennifer Huddleston: Director of Technology and Innovation Policy, AAF

Speakers discuss the latest research and policy landscape, explore potential solutions to best support workers in the gig economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and answer listener questions.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

RAS REPORTS: Creating a Culture of Innovation in America’s Public Schools Oct 08, 2020

PPI launched a significant new report: “The Third Way: A Guide to Implementing Innovation Schools." In this webinar, leaders discuss the spread of “innovation” or “partnership” schools: district schools in a variety of models, with full autonomy and accountability for performance. Listen to hear how these 21st-century schools are producing meaningful results with low-income students, from Springfield, MA, and Camden, NJ, to Indianapolis, IN, and Denver, CO. As traditional school systems struggle to adapt to the “new normal,” this is a conversation you won’t want to miss:

Pedro Martinez, Superintendent, San Antonio ISD
Mariama Shaheed, Founder, Global Preparatory Academy (Indianapolis)
Chris Gabrieli, Co-founder and CEO, Empower Schools
David Osborne, Director of PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Project
Tressa Pankovits, Associate Director of PPI's Reinventing America's Schools Project.

Learn more about the Reinventing America’s Schools Project here.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Advancing the Gains Made by Black and Brown Students in the next Administration Sep 17, 2020

The Progressive Policy Institute hosted a conversation on how members of the Democratic Party can better protect recent gains made by Black and Brown students while advancing these gains after the 2020 Presidential Election. The conversation surrounded gains made by Black and Brown students, how these gains were made, and more importantly how Democrats can ensure the gains continue under the next Administration.

Speakers:

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, (D) Colorado
David Osborne, Progressive Policy Institute
Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor, City of Los Angeles
Keri Rodrigues, National Parents Union
Dr. Howard Fuller, Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools

Moderator: Curtis Valentine, Deputy Director of Reinventing America's Schools Project.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Learn more about the Reinventing America’s Schools Project here.

Congressman Don Beyer on the Path Out of the COVID-19 Economic Crisis Aug 18, 2020

PPI President Will Marshall and Ben Ritz from the Center for Funding America's Future are joined by Congresswoman Don Beyer (VA-8), Vice Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, to talk about the fiscal health of the United States, the path out of the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, the role automatic stabilizers should play as America works to build a resilient recovery, and the Worker Relief and Security Act.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Conversation with Rep. Sharice Davids and Rep. Scott Peters on Rebuilding America's Fiscal Strength Jul 27, 2020

PPI President Will Marshall and Ben Ritz from the Center for Funding America's Future are joined by Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3) and Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) for a conversation on the fiscal health of the United States, budget priorities, the election, and their perspective on how America's economy can return with a resilient recovery.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Should we abolish tax returns? A conversation with Sen. Bob Kerrey Jul 15, 2020

Former Senator Bob Kerrey joins the Center for New Liberalism and the Progressive Policy Institute'sPaul Weinstein and Alec Stapp to discuss whether or not the US government should adopt return-free filing for individual taxes.
The participants will discuss the costs and benefits of return-free filing relative to our current voluntary tax filing system, the main problems with our current tax system, and whether or not return-free filing would reduce tax evasion.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

Scoring a Better Future — Getting Facts on Credit Scores & How They Work Jun 18, 2020

Join Paul Weinstein, Jr., Senior Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., and Joanne Gaskin, Vice President of Scores and Analytics at FICO, for a discussion on the changes FICO has made to its models, and how they may impact credit scores, particularly for millennials and Gen Z.

Learn more about the Progressive Policy Institute here.

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