By Pamela Goldsmith Too many prisoners in Colorado were returning to correctional facilities following parole, so State Representative Matthew Martinez hatched a plan to remedy the problem. Martinez introduced and steered the advancement of CO HB23-1037, proposing a system that reduces sentences for incarcerated individuals who complete college degrees through prison education programs. A brainchild…
Dawson Holle: A Fresh Voice in North Dakota Politics
by Pamela Goldsmith State Representative Dawson Holle (ND – R) made history in North Dakota, becoming the youngest elected lawmaker in the state’s history at the age of 18 while still attending high school. Hailing from Bismarck, Holle — also a fifth-generation dairy farmer — seized the opportunity to represent District 31, channeling his passion…
A New Era in Mississippi Politics: The Blackmon Brothers’ Ascent
By Pamela Goldsmith Political family legacies. While names like Adams, Rockefeller, Kennedy, and Bush are widely familiar, lesser-known families like the Blackmons of Mississippi forged their own political legacy. In November 2023, Lawrence and Bradford Blackmon assumed the mantle of their parents’ state legislative roles. Representative Ed Blackmon (MS – D) and Senator Barbara Blackmon (MS…
New Jersey’s New Voter Empowerment Act
By Pamela Goldsmith On January 4, 2024, the “New Voter Empowerment Act,” was signed into law by New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy, providing the opportunity for some 17-year-olds to cast a ballot in the state’s June primaries beginning in 2026. First introduced by the New Jersey General Assembly in March 2022, A3690 allows voters who…
Breaking silos in Alaska with Rep. Ashley Carrick
By Pamela Goldsmith Anchorage-born and fourth-generation Alaskan, Representative Ashley Carrick holds a strong allegiance to the state bearing her family lineage. She says the choice to represent Alaska is deep-seated in her connection to the region shaped by experiences like scaling mountains in the Chugach with her father, reading at the Healy library in Interior…
“Just get in a room and hash it out” Rep. Berny Jacques (R) of Florida
By Pamela Goldsmith In the corridors of the Florida House of Representatives, where the Republican party holds a formidable majority, Republican Representative Berny Jacques emerges as a distinctive figure whose commitment to familial values extends to Florida’s District 59. Jacques’ journey from Port-au-Prince, Haiti to the political landscape of Florida informs his approach to politics…
Unlocking Justice: Colorado’s Legislative Triumph for Youth Reform
Young legislators in Colorado took a unique approach to pass legislation aimed at reducing court involvement for young children. By Pamela Goldsmith with Paige Ferguson In the intricate realm of policymaking, where the fate of legislation teeters on a delicate balance between diverse elements, the anatomy of a bill often reveals secrets to its triumph. …
Future Caucus Celebrates a Decade of Success with Rising Star Awards
By Pamela Goldsmith Marking a decade milestone on December 12, Future Caucus held its sixth annual Rising Star Awards ceremony at The Recording Industry of America Association (RIAA) in Washington, D.C., bringing together over 300 civic leaders, sponsors, partners, and lawmakers for an evening that reflected on its transformative journey and future aspirations. Layla Zaidane,…
Future’s Frontline Tour Spotlights Collaborative Leadership Among Young Florida Legislators
By Pamela Goldsmith, Senior Director of Communications, Future Caucus Nearing the end of 2023, the University of Miami hosted the inaugural event of Future Caucus’ Future’s Frontline Tour — a nationwide initiative spotlighting the collaborative efforts of Gen Z and millennial legislators, inspiring positive examples of public service. The event featured a panel discussion between…
Rep. Christina Haswood: “I was elected to work with everyone”
By Pamela Goldsmith REP. CHRISTINA HASWOOD (D-KS): A Unique Perspective in Kansas State Legislature Growing up, Representative Christina Haswood (D-KS) struggled with poverty, relying on public resources for housing, school lunches, and tribal clothing programs. Her upbringing provided a unique advantage in understanding the economic struggles facing many in her generation and disadvantaged constituents within…