New Democrat Update - February 1997
Romer Leading Dems
Governor Romer's appointment as the general chairman of the Democratic National Committee is great news for Coloradans and New Democrats across the country. President Clinton’s wise selection reflects a resounding recognition that the party must continue its transformation for its own and the nation's sake. The New Democrat Update will have more on this exciting development next month.
Feeley & Snyder Leading State Dems
Senate Minority Leader Mike Feeley and House Minority Leader Carol Snyder are advocating the right message on welfare reform. Along with Governor Romer, the leadership is placing strong emphasis on work requirements and bipartisan cooperation.
If you would like a copy of the DLC's proposal - "Work First: A Progressive Strategy to Replace Welfare with a Competitive Employment System," please send us an e-mail.
Reinventing Public Education
The Colorado Public School Network - a new partnership among education-related organizations representing over half of Colorado students - is aimed at making schools “learning organizations.” Similar to the principles of the reinventing government movement and the private sector's restructuring efforts, superintendents and teacher union leaders are working on reforms that push authority and responsibility to the school site, along with team integrated problem solving and decision-making.
Congratulations to the entrepreneur of this worthy project, Colorado Education Association President Beverly Ausfahl. The Network is off to a great start!
Building the Bridge
The Progressive Policy Institute has released its new book, Building the Bridge: 10 Big Ideas to Transform America, published by Rowan & Littlefield. Like PPI's highly influential 1992 book, Mandate for Change, the book is fresh thinking on a wide variety of compelling issues. Building the Bridge is organized around a coherent new philosophy of governing and a compelling common theme - reforming the big systems of government to make them effective instruments for achieving progressive goals in the Information Age.
The book is being distributed in major bookstores, including the Barnes & Noble chain. Call the national DLC at 800-546-0027 if you need help finding a copy.