Future Caucus

Leadership lessons don’t end when the program does. A few months ago, we had the privilege of working with Future Caucus at the George Washington Leadership Institute, exploring how Washington’s leadership principles apply to today’s challenges. We love seeing organizations invest in leadership development, and we look forward to welcoming more groups in the future! If your team is interested in exploring leadership training with us, reach out to learn more.?https://lnkd.in/ek4rZJxy

At the invitation of Co-Chairs Alex Bores and Edward Ra, Empire AI Interim Executive Director Robert Harrison came to Albany to give an update to the New York Future Caucus about the progress - and most importantly the scientific research – that is already commencing across the State at Empire AI member institutions. ? The Governor’s Executive Budget includes $90 million in capital funding to substantially increase the computing power of Empire AI. Those state funds would be matched by $50 million in private funding from new members and $25 million in operating funding from?The State University of New York (SUNY) over ten years. If approved by the Empire AI board, this $165 million in additional funding would support expanding access for SUNY researchers, and the addition of new members including the?@University of Rochester, the?Rochester Institute of Technology, and the?Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. ? ASA is proud to support Empire AI in its support the expansion of scientific research for the public good at a size and scale that would have been unthinkable even a few months ago. Exciting projects currently running on the Empire AI Alpha system tackle climate science, cancer research, public health, and much more. #EmpireAI #AIResearch #TechInnovation #ScientificAdvancement #FutureCaucus #SUNY #AIforGood #NewYorkInnovation

In Arkansas, with the passage of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, Republicans and Democrats are coming together to solve the state’s maternal and infant health crisis. When Representative Aaron Pilkington, MHA (R-AR) and Representative Representative Ashley Hudson (D-AR) attended Future Summit 2024, they moderated a discussion on technological breakthroughs in maternal health and discovered tools and services they could bring back to Arkansas to limit barriers to care. After Future Summit, Rep. Pilkington and Rep. Hudson, both 2025-2026 Prenatal-to-Three Innovation Fellows, began pre-filing freestanding bills that would bring much-needed advancements and services to Arkansas’ maternal health. Arkansas H.B. 1427 – the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act – which has been signed into law by Governor Sanders – incorporates many of Rep. Pilkington and Rep. Hudson’s freestanding bills. The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act would: -- Require Arkansas Medicaid to cover and reimburse depression screenings for pregnant women. -- Require Arkansas Medicaid to cover and reimburse for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services such as laboratory fees, blood work, remote monitoring, etc.? -- Arkansas Medicaid will reimburse doulas and community health workers for home visitations related to prenatal and postpartum care. Rep. Pilkington serves as the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act’s lead sponsor, meanwhile Rep. Hudson serves as the bill’s only Democrat cosponsor. The bill is additionally cosponsored by fellow Arkansas Future Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Breanne Davis (R-AR). The passage of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act exemplifies the power of bipartisan collaboration in tackling critical issues that impact real Americans. It is a demonstration that when young lawmakers come together, they can drive meaningful policy change that improves lives. We’re incredibly proud to see the work of the Arkansas Future Caucus come to life and to know that Future Summit played a role in sparking this legislation. We look forward to seeing the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act create a lasting impact in Arkansas and serve as a model for other states looking to support mothers and babies. Join us in commending the Arkansas Future Caucus for their leadership in advancing maternal and infant health solutions! If you’re interested in learning more, check out this article from the Arkansas Times: https://lnkd.in/eseWZpzS

Mark your calendars for Future Summit 2025 — June 25th-28th in Washington, D.C. Future Summit is where the rising generation of Gen Z and millennial lawmakers come together to chart the course of America’s future. It’s a launchpad for leaders who govern effectively and lead with vision, empathy, and results. This is more than a gathering — it’s a movement to ensure America’s best days are still ahead. Applications will open on March 18th. Learn more on our website ?? https://lnkd.in/eMdUY6_H

From BILLS to NEW NEWS, South Carolina’s making MOVES! This week, legislators took bold steps in shaping the future of education, healthcare, and governance – here’s what’s shaking in our state’s GROOVES! ?? K-12 Private School Voucher/Scholarship Bill (S.62) The House approved a bill allowing parents to use public funds for private school tuition, allocating $30 million for scholarships. These scholarships would offer up to $6,000 per student annually for families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Next Steps: The bill now returns to the Senate for further consideration of the House's amendments. ?? Restructuring Behavioral Health Services (S.2) A reform bill aims to create the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, consolidating several departments to streamline services and improve care for individuals with behavioral health and developmental challenges. Next Steps: The bill moves to the House for consideration after passing the Senate. ?? Launch of the Future Caucus In a bipartisan effort, State Sen. Deon Tedder, Esquire and Rep. Brandon Newton announced the creation of the Future Caucus, bringing together millennial and Gen Z lawmakers to foster cross-party collaboration on issues shaping the future of SC. Key hearings scheduled for next week: H. 3457: Human Life Protection Act – A near-total abortion ban with exceptions for medical emergencies. H. 3927: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act – Seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in state agencies, public schools, and colleges. Click the link below for the full breakdown of this week's recap. ??https://lnkd.in/e5SjDCKY ?Highlight of the Week: A standout moment was supporting the American Cancer Society’s Suits and Sneakers Day with Rep. Micah Caskey—a fantastic initiative to raise awareness for cancer research. At Alpha Strategies, we're not just monitoring the changes-- we're actively driving conversations and insights that shape South Carolina’s future. Stay connected for more updates! #SCPolitics #LegislativeUpdate #DEI #Abortion #PublicPolicy #Diversity #GovernmentRelations #PublicAffairs #AmericanCancerSociety #EducationReform #Healthcare #FutureCaucus #AlphaStrategies #SuitsAndSneakers #CancerAwareness

This week, we welcomed the 35th state to the State Future Caucus Network: South Carolina! Representative Brandon Newton (R) and Senator Deon Tedder, Esquire (D) will serve as the inaugural co-chairs. The two met and became friends while serving as majority whip and minority whip for their respective parties and were inspired to start a Future Caucus chapter after attending Future Summit 2024. While today's political system is often defined by division, it's inspiring to see that young lawmakers in South Carolina are proving there's a better path forward and committing themselves to a more effective way of governing.?It's because of young leaders like Rep. Newton and Sen. Tedder, who challenge the status quo, that we say "our best days are ahead!" What state will join the network next? ??

Thank you to the Future Caucus for the invitation to speak with legislators from around the country on their work to create bipartisan coalitions to advance innovative policies related to energy and the environment. I learned about forward-looking policy to bolster circular economies and support keeping materials out of landfills from Colorado to Connecticut and in between. As we work toward zero waste in Austin, we know it will take work at the local, state and federal government (and beyond!).

This week, we joined the Alabama Future Caucus for their first meeting of the 2025 legislative session! With Alabama being the sixth fastest-growing state in the country, members of the Alabama Future Caucus discussed their concerns about the state's growing population of young professionals as housing costs continue to rise. They plan to forge a solution-focused path forward that benefits their new, young workforce by centering their policy goals on housing, workforce development, mental health, and artificial intelligence. The day concluded with a lively cocktail reception at a local Montgomery spot to celebrate a new generation of leadership in Alabama. It's clear there is excitement over the work these young lawmakers are doing, and we're thrilled we got to be a part of it! Young lawmakers across the country are listening, coming together, and taking action — the Alabama Future Caucus is an inspiring reminder of this.?

According to Leslie Knope, Galentine's Day is the best day of the year, and this year, it really was! We celebrated by hosting a Sip & Shop fundraiser at M.M.LaFleur in downtown Washington, D.C. in support of the 19th Collective. We were joined by a dynamic group of leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and, of course, shopping until we dropped! ????? Together, we're empowering women legislators to lead with style — you can read more about our partnership with M.M.LaFleur and last week's Galentine's event in our Young Lawmakers' Storybank below ?? https://lnkd.in/e_u4MChQ

Thank you to Future Caucus for an inspiring conversation on courageous #leadership, radical #collaboration, and the role of states in driving progress for families. Explore the top lessons and watch the discussion between our Founder & Executive Director Anne Mosle, Layla Zaidane of Future Caucus, and State Representatives Greggor Ilagan (D-HI) and Aaron Pilkington, MHA (R-AR) here: https://lnkd.in/d33Ritnz