Following the disappointing election outcome, we need to identify what strategies remain for
promoting progressive goals like full employment.
E. J. Dionne points the way.Next Steps
As Dionne explains, Republican Governors may be a tiny bit less doctrinaire than
Republicans in Congress. Regardless, Democratic Governors and the two Independents should meet immediately with the White House to begin to formulate a revenue sharing program to stem budget shortfalls and layoffs. If sone Republicans join the call, so much the better. Jerry Brown put a good deal of thought into jobs programs when he was last the California executive. There should be opportunities to leverage available funds in creative ways, to provide new resources, and to expose Congressional Republicans focus on business profits rather than the masses' economic insecurity.
Thus, the President forges partnerships with the states to provide means to put people to work. Big state Governors will demonstrate that there are alternatives to austerity, that there is hope. A network of progressive states ( see progressivestates.org) moves the country forward and renders Congressional action more likely.