Spring 2024 On the Point newsletter from the Kennedy Institute

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Kennedy Institute Newsletter | SPRING 2024
FROM THE CEO, ADAM HINDS
The Kennedy Institute is committed to strengthening American democracy, with a focus on the US Senate. But we are also well aware that our democracy faces some of the toughest challenges at the local level and that many of our best public servants can be found working for state and county government.

At the Kennedy Institute’s 2024 Annual Dinner, we honored two governors – Maryland Governor Wes Moore and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu – with this year’s Inspired Leadership Award. These governors – a Democrat and a Republican – have shown great leadership for their states by creating jobs, building economies, and improving the lives of their constituents. The high level of leadership required of governors was demonstrated to the nation when Governor Moore took the lead on recovery efforts immediately after the tragic bridge accident in Baltimore.

While Governor Moore was not able to join us to receive his award in order to be on the ground in Maryland, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey read from the note he sent to us in which he said, “Senator Kennedy knew what it meant to lead in times of crisis… in this moment of hardship, Senator Kennedy’s example will continue to lead the way.” Later, during a fireside chat moderated by Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, Governor Healey and Governor Sununu disagreed on certain issues but did find common ground on the role governors play in balancing the interests and needs of their constituents with the politics and policymaking occurring at the federal level.

Some of the most important work to sustain and strengthen our democracy takes place at the state and county level with the administration of elections. Elections commissioners, county clerks, elections workers, and volunteers are the unsung heroes of public service. They ensure that our most fundamental right, the right to vote, is available and reliable across the country’s approximately 8,000 election jurisdictions in the face of increasing domestic and foreign threats, political pressures, as well as insufficient staffing and funding. As I shared with you in our last letter, the Kennedy Institute and the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics launched our joint Bolstering Elections initiative, which brings together elections experts and local officials to examine how we can improve our electoral administration processes. To better understand what’s at stake, I recommend watching the conversations we facilitated at the Bolstering Elections day-long symposium at the Dole Institute to hear
directly from passionate and committed county-level elections workers about the challenges they face and how we can help them in their important work by increasing funding for elections.

Tip O'Neill, former Speaker of the House and legislative ally to Senator Kennedy, is famous for saying, “All politics is local.” As a former state senator, I would add that the important work of fortifying our democracy is local, too. We are fortunate to have you as a supporter and friend of the Kennedy Institute and helping us in our efforts to strengthen democracy at the local and national levels.
Adam G. Hinds
CEO
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
2024 ANNUAL DINNER

On Tuesday, March 26, the Kennedy Institute honored Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) and Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH) with the 2024 Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership. Governors Moore and Sununu received the award for their commitment to public service, policymaking, and steadfast governance that is improving the lives of their constituents and bringing economic prosperity to their respective states. The governors’ leadership and commitment to public service reflect the values of Senator Kennedy’s 47 years in the United States Senate.
"I am honored and humbled to receive the Award for Inspired Leadership from an institution dedicated to Senator Kennedy’s life and values. And together, we will continue to work across the aisle to carry his torch forward.”
“Senator Ted Kennedy’s decades of bipartisan leadership inspired many to serve our country in public service. I am honored and grateful to the Kennedy Institute for recognizing me with this year’s Award for Inspired Leadership.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore was unable to receive his award in person alongside Governor Sununu due to the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Massachusetts GovernorMaura Healey graciously stepped in ([link removed]) to fill Governor Moore’s role in the evening’s planned events.

The event was emceed by NBC News’ Meet the Press Moderator, Kristen Welker. A portion of the fireside chat between Governor Sununu and Governor Healey was featured on NBC’s Meet the Press, with Welker emphasizing that the event was “centered on bipartisanship.” You can watch that clip
here ([link removed]) .

Notable guests in attendance included: Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy; The Honorable Joseph P. Kennedy III; The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy; Kennedy Institute Board Chair Bruce A. Percelay; veteran columnist and “Morning Joe” Senior Contributor Mike Barnicle; former Vice Chair at Bank of America Anne Finucane; State Treasurer Deb Goldberg; historian Doris Kearns Goodwin; several members from the Massachusetts House and Senate and Boston City Council; and Kennedy Institute Board Members Stephanie Cutter, The Honorable Cory Gardner, Cody Keenan, and The Honorable Martin T. Meehan.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership ([link removed]) recognizes an individual or individuals who possess qualities that reflect the legacy of Senator Edward M. Kennedy: modeling exemplary leadership, inspiring others to action, and making a difference through service to the community and country.

View Photos from the Event ([link removed])
See us on "Meet the Press" ([link removed])
UPCOMING EVENT
April 18: Fixing the Filibuster: A Conversation with
Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
[link removed]

Could restoring the talking filibuster fix the gridlock in the US Senate? Join the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate for a conversation with Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and his longtime Chief of Staff, Mike Zamore, on their recent book, “Filibustered! How to Fix the Broken Senate and Save America ([link removed]) ” moderated by Vox Policy Correspondent, Abdallah Fayyad, Pulitzer Prize finalist and former Boston Globe editorial board member.

As the Senate heads towards a new chapter next session following recent leadership and retirement announcements, Sen. Merkley and Zamore will explore how the key to the Senate’s future may be found in its past.

Light refreshments and a book signing will follow the discussion.

If you previously RSVP'd for the original event date of April 11th, your registration remains valid and no further action is required.
Register Here ([link removed])
RECENT EVENTS
A Conversation with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
In March, the Kennedy Institute hosted a conversation with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) to hear his perspective on political polarization.

Moderated by James Pindell, political reporter for the Boston Globe, Senator Manchin discussed his time in the Senate, his approach to finding common ground, and the importance of championing the bipartisan spirit in today’s Senate Chamber, recounting his role negotiating major pieces of legislation in recent years.
Kennedy Institute hosts UMass Boston debate between
College Republicans and College Democrats
In April, the Kennedy Institute was thrilled to host a policy debate between members of the UMass Boston College Republicans and College Democrats in our replica Senate Chamber. The students had constructive dialogues on the economy, the environment, foreign policy, and immigration, astutely moderated by the UMass Boston Debate Club.

Are you a student group interested in hosting a policy debate at the Kennedy Institute? Contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Request) .
BOLSTERING ELECTIONS
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate have partnered on a collaborative initiative ([link removed]) to promote investment in American electoral administration and processes.

In February, the Institutes hosted election practitioners and policy experts for the kickoff Election Administration Symposium, to explore why funding our election systems is so difficult to study and the challenges local election officials face related to dwindling budgets, understaffing, and security threats.

Check out two videos from the symposium below and follow us on social media for additional highlights!
Video 1: A Conversation with Election Assistance Commissioners
U.S. Election Assistance Commissioners Benjamin Hovland and Donald Palmer share their insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funding for local elections. The Commissioners discussed the rising costs of election administration due to national and international threats, the need to focus on the voters - not politics - when it comes to administering elections, and how we can more effectively administer federal funding for elections at the local level.
Watch the full conversation here ([link removed])
Video 2: Why is the Study of Election Funding So Difficult?
The United States spends approximately $4-6 billion each year on election administration. However, the exact amount that's needed to ensure elections are run properly remains unknown without accurate data.

Professor Charles Stewart of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discusses why it's difficult to understand how much money is needed and ultimately spent to administer an election.
Watch the full conversation here ([link removed] )
CIVIC EDUCATION
Over 500 students, teachers participate in Civic Learning Week 2024
The Kennedy Institute played a key role for Boston in the 2024 Civic Learning Week. Supported by the CivXNow Coalition and the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition, Civic Learning Week brings together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors to highlight and further energize the movement for civic education in states and communities across the nation.

We are pleased to share that our “Welcoming Words” virtual session was presented to over 500 students and teachers from across the country. The program teaches students in grades K-5 about the Statue of Liberty and how she is a symbol of welcome for new immigrants. Students listen to a story about Lady Liberty, think about what it means to welcome others, and work on a creative activity together with an Institute staff member.

Civic Education at the Kennedy Institute ([link removed])
YOUR SUPPORT

We want to thank you for being a loyal reader of our On The Point newsletter. If you haven't already, we encourage you to take the next step of becoming a member of the Kennedy Institute. Benefits include advanced notice of upcoming special events, exhibits, and programs; member-only updates throughout the year; and special pricing for ticketed Kennedy Institute events.

Your membership supports our mission to inspire all Americans to participate in the civic life of our communities and our country, and to educate K-12 students and people of all ages about the unique role of the Senate in our democracy.
Become A Member ([link removed])

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