Dear John,
The discord in DC is intense, and the polls are clear — Americans are frustrated with politics. But beneath the noise, there’s real work getting done, especially in the states. We’ve had a front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes hustle that’s turning quiet collaboration into big wins, like Arkansas’ landmark maternal health legislation. And we're excited to share these stories from our network with you. We're also proud to announce the addition of our 35th state chapter. Welcome to the South Carolina Future Caucus! |
Young Lawmakers Charting a New Path
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From the Northeast to the South, young lawmakers are choosing collaboration over chaos – proving that there’s a better path forward.
We've seen it firsthand as we've met with Future Caucus members in their home states of New York, Vermont, Alabama, and South Carolina. |
The spirit of bipartisanship is thriving in South Carolina! Even with one party holding a supermajority in the state’s legislature, young lawmakers are forging a path for collaboration and effective governance.
Representative Brandon Newton (R-SC) and Senator Deon Tedder (D-SC) launched the South Carolina Future Caucus, becoming the 35th state to join the State Future Caucus Network! |
In New York, young lawmakers have set their sights on developing policies to improve the lives of New Yorkers and address key issues their constituents are facing – from childcare and housing affordability to artificial intelligence and criminal justice reform. |
With Vermont seeing a record number of newly-elected lawmakers in the 2024 election, the Vermont Future Caucus is seeking to build community and coalition among new members, while connecting over the challenges that young lawmakers face and introducing new members to resources for the legislative process. |
Alabama’s young professional population is growing at a rapid rate. Members of the Alabama Future Caucus are seeking to introduce legislation centered on housing, workforce development, mental health, and artificial intelligence to support the new population. |
Apply to Attend Future Summit 2025
Whether you’re a lawmaker in the South, the Northeast, middle America – Future Summit is for you. Future Summit is where the rising generation of Gen Z and millennial lawmakers come together to chart the course of America’s future. This is more than a gathering – it’s a movement to ensure America’s best days are ahead. Join us in Washington, D.C., June 25th-28th – applications are now open! |
Leadership in Action
Our Innovation Fellows have experienced a major policy win and have learned from experts about work being done across their focus areas.
The “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act” was passed in Arkansas, with bipartisan support and sponsorship, and signed into law by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on February 18th.
The Act, which will bring much-needed advancements and services to Arkansas’ maternal and infant health services, incorporates several freestanding bills filed by Arkansas Future Caucus Co-Chairs and Prenatal-to-Three Innovation Fellows, Representative Aaron Pilkington (R) and Representative Ashley Hudson (D). |
The two were inspired to collaborate on improving Arkansas’ maternal health policies after a discussion at Future Summit 2024 about technological advancements being made to address maternal health crises. Rep. Pilkington serves as the bill’s sponsor, with Rep. Hudson and fellow Arkansas Future Caucus Co-Chair Senator Breanne Davis (R) serving as cosponsors. 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. |
Equipping Innovative Leaders |
Across the civic innovation and democracy space, “open primaries” have become a major topic of conversation. With expertise from the team at Unite America and former Virginia Delegate, Chris Saxman (R), our Innovation Fellows engaged in discussion on the intricacies and impacts of open primaries at the state level. |
To craft impactful policies that reform our criminal justice system, our Criminal Justice Reform Fellows are starting with a deep dive into its historical roots. Experts from RStreet and the Brennan Center at NYU School of Law provided a historical overview — explaining how we got here and equipping Innovation Fellows with the context needed to drive meaningful change in their states. |
We hear “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” all the time – Energy & Environment Fellows heard from Gena McKinley of the Austin Resource Recovery on actionable recycling initiatives happening across the city of Austin and state of Texas, gaining key insights into how recycling initiatives can benefit their own state and citizens. |
For lawmakers interested in legislation centered on maternal and infant health, there is a breadth of resources and advocates available to lawmakers. Thanks to Lori Fresina from the National Collaborative for Infants and Toddlers and the American Heart Association, our Prenatal-to-Three Innovation Fellows have gained access to these resources to address health crises amongst women and children in their states.
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Women Lawmakers, Styled to Lead |
In partnership with M.M.LaFleur, a female-founded fashion brand dedicated to empowering women to succeed, we’re making sure young female lawmakers feel confident – both in their roles as leaders, and in what they wear.
Knowing that we do our best work when we look and feel our best selves, we’re thrilled that M.M.LaFleur has joined us in support of the 19th Collective, assisting them with building a professional wardrobe – one that helps them lead in style. |
In a true show of women supporting women, the 19th Collective celebrated Galentine’s Day with a Sip & Shop fundraiser at M.M.LaFleur’s Showroom in D.C. with 10% of all sales of the evening going directly to support future initiatives for coalition building among female state legislators and 19th Collective members. |
$1.5 Million Gift from New Profit
We are proud to announce that Future Caucus is the recipient of a $1.5 million gift from New Profit! As New Profit Build grantees, over the next four years, we will receive funding and work together toward driving system changes that expands access and opportunity in America.
New Profit is a venture philanthropy organization that catalyzes the impact of social entrepreneurs who are expanding access and opportunity in America. Since 1998, New Profit has invested over $350M in 275+ high-impact organizations serving more than 30 million people in all 50 states. |
Welcome Carrie Previtera!
Commitment to our mission – activating young legislators to bridge the partisan divide – is only growing. We are absolutely honored to be welcoming a new member to the fold, who will help us continue to drive our mission forward – join us in welcoming Carrie Previtera to our Board of Directors!
Carrie Previtera is a Partner at New Profit, a philanthropic organization committed to expanding opportunity in America, where she works with organizations led by visionary social entrepreneurs, advising CEOs, c-suite leaders, and their boards to increase their impact, growth, and sustainability. |
New offerings from The Levin Center
State legislative oversight is a hot topic for many this year, and our friends over at The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy have released a new program for oversight training: The Levin Center State Oversight Academy.
Future Caucus members, including the Oregon Future Caucus, have partnered with the Levin Center for training in the past. Strong oversight is essential for ensuring transparency, efficiency, and public trust in government, making this training particularly beneficial for legislators committed to good governance and evidence-based policymaking. |
"As Seen on Social Media"
Looking for updates on what’s happening in state legislatures? Energy & Environment Innovation Fellow Assemblymember Duy Nguyen (D-NV) and his team have shared some helpful tips and resources for accessing Nevada’s Legislative website as part of a new series, “Nguyen-ing Wednesdays.” |
Young lawmakers in the Georgia State Legislature are hard at work. Georgia Future Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Steven Sainz (R-GA), is on TikTok providing updates on all things happening in the state house – check it out and follow along to learn more on the work being done in Georgia!
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Contact Us [email protected] Future Caucus
1701 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States |
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