The States Forum
@statesforum.bsky.social
Catalyzing policy ideas to achieve the American Promise in states.
Learn more at StatesForum.org
Learn more at StatesForum.org
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Welcome to The States Forum
YouTube video by The States Forum
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As the very foundational values of our country are being attacked, achieving the American Promise has never been more urgent.
Last month, we convened policy thinkers and state leaders in Philadelphia to explore how we keep that promise alive in the states.
Take a look:
Last month, we convened policy thinkers and state leaders in Philadelphia to explore how we keep that promise alive in the states.
Take a look:
On Substack last week, we discussed the role of Public Utility Commissions in setting electricity costs.
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Electric Utility Reform in an Age of Electrification - The States Forum
The United States is subject to the same drivers transforming the global power sector: the rapid growth of renewable energy, data centers, battery storage,
www.statesforum.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
On Substack last week, we discussed the role of Public Utility Commissions in setting electricity costs.
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
In this piece from our inaugural journal, Robert Currie takes us through policy ideas and recommendations for reforming the electric utility sector.
www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Well said Michael Waldman
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
States Step Up as Washington Stalls
With Congress paralyzed and aid programs in jeopardy, state governments are proving to be laboratories for reform and resistance.
www.brennancenter.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Well said Michael Waldman
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
of @brennancenter.org:
“But at a time when national politics can veer between energetic authoritarianism and an opposition with a threadbare agenda, the ferment in the states can be refreshing — the start of a new politics. www.brennancenter.org/our-work/ana...
ICYMI: This Tuesday, Georgia elected two new Public Utility Commissioners.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Tomorrow, Georgians have a chance to elect the commissioners who will be part of the Public Utility Commission—a state-level entity that gets a say in setting the rates the public pays.
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
The cost of living is on everyone’s mind
And tomorrow in Georgia, it’s on the ballot.
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:16 PM
ICYMI: This Tuesday, Georgia elected two new Public Utility Commissioners.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Right now, so many Americans just can’t afford basic essentials like light & heat.
These new leaders have the opportunity and power to solve the very real & ever present issue of affordability.
Rural stagnation is not inevitable; it is a policy choice.
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Fair Markets For Rural America - The States Forum
Every election season, red and blue maps reinforce the myth of “two Americas,” the wealthy, liberal cities and the declining, conservative countryside.
www.statesforum.org
November 5, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Rural stagnation is not inevitable; it is a policy choice.
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
We can begin to fix it at the state-level - with anti-monopoly legislation and by supporting fair competition in agriculture. More from @clairek.bsky.social in our inaugural journal: www.statesforum.org/journal/issu...
The courts have spoken: It's illegal for the federal govt to withhold SNAP funding. In response the Admin chose to pay out half the benefit & on a delay.
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
SNAP benefits will restart, but will be half the normal payment and delayed
About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person in the food assistance known as SNAP. For the first time, the Trump administration stopped the payments due at the beginning of th...
www.npr.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The courts have spoken: It's illegal for the federal govt to withhold SNAP funding. In response the Admin chose to pay out half the benefit & on a delay.
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
States are filling in to keep people from going hungry by funding SNAP & supporting food banks.
www.npr.org/2025/11/03/n...
Tomorrow, Georgians have a chance to elect the commissioners who will be part of the Public Utility Commission—a state-level entity that gets a say in setting the rates the public pays.
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
The cost of living is on everyone’s mind
And tomorrow in Georgia, it’s on the ballot.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Tomorrow, Georgians have a chance to elect the commissioners who will be part of the Public Utility Commission—a state-level entity that gets a say in setting the rates the public pays.
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
In our latest Substack, we examine electricity costs in Georgia.
open.substack.com/pub/statesfo...
Chaos in Washington = 42M Americans could lose food assistance this week. States are preparing – but also the USDA can spend contingency funds and not fail American families.
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
Dozens of States Sue Trump Administration Over Planned Food Stamp Cuts
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Chaos in Washington = 42M Americans could lose food assistance this week. States are preparing – but also the USDA can spend contingency funds and not fail American families.
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
And now, more than two dozen states are suing. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
Let’s do like the Aussies do. Their rooftop solar costs a fraction of what we pay.
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
October 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Let’s do like the Aussies do. Their rooftop solar costs a fraction of what we pay.
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
Last week, nonprofit Permit Power reported that streamlined solar permitting could deliver:
The federal government isn’t open, but states are - and they’re stepping up to find solutions for their constituents.
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
Shutdown ripple effects, food insecurity, and Idaho’s very own DOGE
Democracy in the States' weekly round-up of news, campaigns, policy changes, obstacles and successes for democracy renovation at the state level.
open.substack.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:26 PM
The federal government isn’t open, but states are - and they’re stepping up to find solutions for their constituents.
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
Here’s a helpful roundup from our friends at @the-renovator.bsky.social of states that are showing up for the people: open.substack.com/pub/therenov...
From pay transparency to protected time off for parents to support their kids in school, states have the opportunity to deliver for their constituents.
Policy Ideas that States can Pass Today, Part Two
Six more smart ideas that come at no cost to states
substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 8:25 PM
From pay transparency to protected time off for parents to support their kids in school, states have the opportunity to deliver for their constituents.
What are we talking about when we’re talking about AI?
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
October 27, 2025 at 1:37 PM
What are we talking about when we’re talking about AI?
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
As AI has developed from traditional AI to more complex systems, the question for lawmakers has been: how do we ensure safety? Michelle Maldonado talks about some solutions already in action in the states.
ICYMI: At the core of the MAHA movement is a concern for personal freedom.
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
The MAHA wave
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again campaign to combat chronic disease is reshaping state legislatures, with hundreds of bills introduced this year echoing his agenda i...
www.politico.com
October 24, 2025 at 10:13 PM
ICYMI: At the core of the MAHA movement is a concern for personal freedom.
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Kudos to the states already taking policy actions — like making sure that food is actually nutritious vs. ultraprocessed — to better serve their constituents’ needs and wants.
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Congrats to @pahlkadot.bsky.social & @robertgo.bsky.social on the launch of the Recoding America Fund!
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
American Government Needs to Deliver
Recoding America Fund is taking this once-in-a-generation opportunity to generate and pass reforms that shape that change in the public interest.
www.recodingamerica.fund
October 22, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Congrats to @pahlkadot.bsky.social & @robertgo.bsky.social on the launch of the Recoding America Fund!
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
America needs new, bold policy solutions that are ready to deliver effective governing & improve people's lives.
We're excited to work together towards this future. www.recodingamerica.fund
In today’s idea-driven economy, college education is still make or break.
States can — and should — do more to strengthen the pipeline from K-12 to college. Our country’s future depends on it.
More from Patrick Cooney in our inaugural journal: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
States can — and should — do more to strengthen the pipeline from K-12 to college. Our country’s future depends on it.
More from Patrick Cooney in our inaugural journal: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Yes, College Matters - The States Forum
The Trump administration’s effort to withhold resources from universities that take positions it disagrees with is only the latest, and most extreme version,
statesforum.org
October 22, 2025 at 3:14 PM
In today’s idea-driven economy, college education is still make or break.
States can — and should — do more to strengthen the pipeline from K-12 to college. Our country’s future depends on it.
More from Patrick Cooney in our inaugural journal: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
States can — and should — do more to strengthen the pipeline from K-12 to college. Our country’s future depends on it.
More from Patrick Cooney in our inaugural journal: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Two wildly different elected officials with nothing else in common agree on one thing, the same thing the American people have been pointing to: Our country is going through an affordability crisis. This is where leaders should be focusing their attention. newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Zohran Mamdani Gets It. So Does Marjorie Taylor Greene.
And Donald Trump and Chuck Schumer do not.
newrepublic.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Two wildly different elected officials with nothing else in common agree on one thing, the same thing the American people have been pointing to: Our country is going through an affordability crisis. This is where leaders should be focusing their attention. newrepublic.com/article/2019...
This is what effective governing looks like in practice: Tennessee state lawmakers stepping in to protect their constituents and the state's constitution. bsky.app/profile/jhol...
Several Tennessee lawmakers, including Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Memphis state Reps. G.A. Hardaway and Gabby Salinas have sued state officials, including Gov. Bill Lee, for violating the Tennessee constitution and state law by deploying National Guard troops to Memphis.
Shelby Co officials sue Gov. Bill Lee over National Guard deployment • Tennessee Lookout
Shelby County officials late Friday filed suit against Gov. Bill Lee and other state leaders, seeking an immediate halt to the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, which they say violates the ...
tennesseelookout.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:15 PM
This is what effective governing looks like in practice: Tennessee state lawmakers stepping in to protect their constituents and the state's constitution. bsky.app/profile/jhol...
Last week on our Substack, we talked about how one of the best ways to support state legislators is to generate bold, new ideas to make the system more sustainable, to serve the public good, to deliver on the American Promise.
Policy Ideas that States can Pass Today, Part One
Oh, and they wouldn’t cost money
open.substack.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Last week on our Substack, we talked about how one of the best ways to support state legislators is to generate bold, new ideas to make the system more sustainable, to serve the public good, to deliver on the American Promise.
Instead of straw-manning and second-guessing the “why” behind the success of the Southern Surge states, we should be *learning* from the states that have listened to their constituents and taken direct policy actions to meet their needs. substack.com/@kelseytuoc/...
Kelsey Piper (@kelseytuoc)
substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Instead of straw-manning and second-guessing the “why” behind the success of the Southern Surge states, we should be *learning* from the states that have listened to their constituents and taken direct policy actions to meet their needs. substack.com/@kelseytuoc/...
Before @charlesxhua.bsky.social was named a TIME100 Next honoree, he joined our inaugural States Forum convening to talk about how states - through their public utility commissions - are key to unlocking more affordable energy for all of us.
October 17, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Before @charlesxhua.bsky.social was named a TIME100 Next honoree, he joined our inaugural States Forum convening to talk about how states - through their public utility commissions - are key to unlocking more affordable energy for all of us.
The states are where governing power meets the people, and it’s where we can begin to resuscitate American democracy. statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Message from the Founders: First Principles in the 11th Hour - The States Forum
Why have we started The States Forum? Let’s start by stating the obvious: The 250-year-old experiment of American democracy is in real danger. The Republican
statesforum.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The states are where governing power meets the people, and it’s where we can begin to resuscitate American democracy. statesforum.org/journal/issu...
Utility bills are up 10%, but the federal government is suppressing access to the cheapest new energy sources, like solar.
*cue the states*
From deploying clean energy to expanding the power grid, state lawmakers are pulling levers to make energy affordable.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/trump-is-r...
*cue the states*
From deploying clean energy to expanding the power grid, state lawmakers are pulling levers to make energy affordable.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/trump-is-r...
Trump is raising Americans’ energy bills, but states can fight back
State leadership on clean energy can address rising electricity costs
www.theargumentmag.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Utility bills are up 10%, but the federal government is suppressing access to the cheapest new energy sources, like solar.
*cue the states*
From deploying clean energy to expanding the power grid, state lawmakers are pulling levers to make energy affordable.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/trump-is-r...
*cue the states*
From deploying clean energy to expanding the power grid, state lawmakers are pulling levers to make energy affordable.
www.theargumentmag.com/p/trump-is-r...
In 4 out of 5 states, serving as a state legislator is a “part-time job.” State leaders like Howard Watts — who seems to love his part-time job — calls “part-time” “a dark joke.” 😈
October 14, 2025 at 11:46 PM
In 4 out of 5 states, serving as a state legislator is a “part-time job.” State leaders like Howard Watts — who seems to love his part-time job — calls “part-time” “a dark joke.” 😈
Are new cities the solution we need for a more productive & robust future for all of us?
@repauchincloss.bsky.social & Jonathan Gruber think so, & explain why: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
@repauchincloss.bsky.social & Jonathan Gruber think so, & explain why: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
The Case for New Cities - The States Forum
It has become a truism that America can’t build anymore. Housing, infrastructure, and all nature of public goods are nearly impossible to build and
statesforum.org
October 11, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Are new cities the solution we need for a more productive & robust future for all of us?
@repauchincloss.bsky.social & Jonathan Gruber think so, & explain why: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
@repauchincloss.bsky.social & Jonathan Gruber think so, & explain why: statesforum.org/journal/issu...
ICYMI: We’re The States Forum, and we’re building a network that promotes state-based policy solutions to the issues that impact our lives every day.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/u...
New Democratic Group Says Answer to the Party’s Woes Lies With the States
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ICYMI: We’re The States Forum, and we’re building a network that promotes state-based policy solutions to the issues that impact our lives every day.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/10/u...
61% of our country thinks we’re on the wrong track.
Our electorate is increasingly polarized.
So how do we fix it?
Rank choice voting might be the answer (and it’s already working in states across the country!).
More in @therenovator.bsky.social: therenovator.substack.com/p/how-to-end...
Our electorate is increasingly polarized.
So how do we fix it?
Rank choice voting might be the answer (and it’s already working in states across the country!).
More in @therenovator.bsky.social: therenovator.substack.com/p/how-to-end...
How to End Our Zero-sum Politics
Hey, business leaders: Want a productive democracy? Try ranked-choice voting, like Alaska and Maine.
therenovator.substack.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:36 PM
61% of our country thinks we’re on the wrong track.
Our electorate is increasingly polarized.
So how do we fix it?
Rank choice voting might be the answer (and it’s already working in states across the country!).
More in @therenovator.bsky.social: therenovator.substack.com/p/how-to-end...
Our electorate is increasingly polarized.
So how do we fix it?
Rank choice voting might be the answer (and it’s already working in states across the country!).
More in @therenovator.bsky.social: therenovator.substack.com/p/how-to-end...