NewDEAL Forum Launches Task Force to Address Rebuilding the Country Following COVID-19

WASHINGTON – The NewDEAL Forum has established a task force comprised of state and local officials to devise recommendations on a sustainable recovery from the coronavirus outbreak.

The Renewing America Task Force will be led by five Democratic co-chairs including Phoenix, Ariz., Mayor Kate Gallego; Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist; Shelby County, Tenn., Mayor Lee Harris; Baltimore, Md., Delegate Brooke Lierman; and Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read.

“In this moment of crisis, state and local leaders are stepping up to offer bold and creative ways to protect their communities from the immediate fall-out of the pandemic, while recognizing that our goal should not be to restore America to its pre-pandemic condition,” said Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL, in a statement. 

“Our country is desperate for leadership that addresses long-time injustices and inequalities that have been exacerbated by this virus,” she continued. “The Renewing America Task Force will provide a platform for developing and sharing the best ideas for our recovery among leaders who can lead their implementation across the country.” 

Beginning on July 9, when they hold their first meeting, the group will focus on prioritizing solutions to a number of challenges that have only become more problematic as the coronavirus and the response to it have shredded state and local government budgets.

These issues included access to affordable housing, entrepreneurial support, local economic development and improving access to high-speed internet nationwide. 

The group also aims to create a modern set of social “safety net” programs that would ensure future security from economic hardship.

Tha task force will convene monthly for in-depth policy meetings and release their findings to other state and local policymakers shortly thereafter.