Centrist Democrats Unveil Affordability Plan
Key Takeaways
- The Effective Governing Coalition is hosting a policy conference to discuss cost-of-living concerns
- The event will feature prominent Democratic leaders, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Rep. Brad Schneider
- The New Democrats have released a 16-page "Affordability Agenda" detailing policy proposals to lower costs
Centrist Democrats are ramping up their efforts to emphasize affordability ahead of the midterms, with a nonprofit affiliated with the influential New Democratic Coalition set to host its inaugural policy conference later this month.
The Effective Governing Coalition (EGC) is hosting the May 12 forum, titled "Delivering an Effective Economy: A Solutions Conference," at Washington's Planet Word Museum. The event will include new polling on cost-of-living concerns and focus on how Democratic leaders can boost affordability.
The EGC was launched in 2024 as an offshoot of the centrist New Democratic Coalition and prioritizes economic growth, environmental sustainability, health care access, and national defense. The group's efforts come as the center and left wings of the party have started laying out visions for an affordability agenda.
Affordability Agenda
The New Democrats, the House's largest Democratic Caucus, released a 16-page "Affordability Agenda" earlier this year, detailing specific policy proposals targeting grocery, health care, housing, energy, and family-related costs. The Congressional Progressive Caucus unveiled a 10-point legislative plan to lower costs earlier this week.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), who has not ruled out a run for president, will speak at a fireside chat. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), the New Dems chair, as well as Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Cali.), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Mich.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), and Greg Stanton (D-Ari.) will also attend.
The forum is not the EGC's first foray into messaging around lowering costs. The group, founded by longtime Democratic operatives Mike Goodman and Kyle Layman, boosted swing-district members of the New Democrat Coalition in a summer ad buy blasting Republicans' Medicaid-cutting megabill.
Other speakers include Fox News commentator Jessica Tarlov, political reporters Leigh Ann Caldwell and Molly Ball, Impact Research's Molly Murphy, SKDK's Doug Thornell, and Third Way's Lanae Erickson.
The EGC recently hired Andrew Wright, former Rep. Derek Kilmer's (D-Wash.) chief of staff, as its first executive director, signaling the group's efforts to buckle down ahead of November's election.
TRENDING POSTS
Barry Christian Dead: Senate Candidate Found After 2 Days
Oklahoma Senate candidate Barry Christian was found dead in his vehicle after being missing for two days. Authorities are investigating the mysterious circumstances.
Mark Kelly: The Trump White House Decor Secret
Senator Mark Kelly says the next POTUS faces a unique challenge: removing Donald Trump's distinctive White House decor. What's the secret?
Political Cartoonists: 5 Sharpest Views on Weekly Politics
Dive into the sharpest takes from the nation's political cartoonists as they dissect the week's biggest events. See how they capture current affairs!
Trump Dinner Gunman: Shocking 4-Second Breach
New CCTV reveals how a Trump dinner gunman charged past security in just four seconds, prompting immediate officer response. Get the urgent details now.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Reforms Stall
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorized for 45 days
RNC Barack Obama Post: The Hidden Meaning
A controversial RNC social media post about Barack Obama has sparked debate on Capitol Hill. Uncover the cryptic message behind the political firestorm.