After Tuesday’s Massachusetts debacle, everyone’s been talking about what we do next in DC. But nobody’s talking about the other glaringly obvious next play — switch more of our action to the state/local board. Progressive States Network explains:
the filibuster allows as few as 3% of the total U.S. population to potentially elect representatives able to block the will of the other 97% of the population. In practice, filibusters are put together with a hodgepodge of states representing larger minorities of the population, but when corporate special interests start with such a low threshold of votes needed to preserve the status quo, it’s hardly surprising that federal inaction, diluted compromises and voter frustration is the norm.This is why bold, progressive leadership in the states matters.
States Move National Policy: Generally able to take action with a majority vote in their statehouses, states have always been where progressive policy moves forward. And when multiple states act, it creates a wave of reform that can ultimately drive federal action despite the filibuster and minority resistance.
•The federal minimum wage was raised in 2007 only after states representing a majority of the population passed their own minimum wage increases.
•Health care reform is only being considered in D.C. because states across the country have expanded coverage in recent years and enacted insurance reforms like bans on preexisting conditions and medical loss rations — provisions ultimately incorporated into federal bills.
•Serious federal movement on climate change only followed multiple states in the Northeast and West enacting their own cap-and-trade bills to reduce greenhouse gases.
Making the Progressive Case in the States: Without the filibuster diluting every bill, states are also where voters can see progressive values embodied.The right-wing has long understood the power of messaging through state policy. Whether on gay marriage, abortion, immigration, or anti-tax policy, the right-wing doesn’t even bother having a federal agenda other than saying “no” to all reforms, but they deliver their message to their voters through state initiatives attacking abortion rights, banning gay marriage, scapegoating immigrants, and trying to slash state taxes.
Progressives need to be equally bold in using state policy to make clear our values to voters. By promoting and enacting progressive policy in the states, we can overcome the frustration people feel with D.C. due to compromises forced by the filibuster.
For more ideas on playing on the state/local board, including a 2010 kick-ass multistate economic strategy, check out Progressive States Network.
