AUGUSTA - Today, Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, was announced as one of 20 finalists in NewDEAL's 2023 National Ideas Challenge, a nationwide competition recognizing state and local leaders who have advocated for policy ideas that improve American's well-being and overall quality of life. Cloutier is a finalist in the Creating Economic Opportunities and Lowering Costs for Families policy category for her work this year to implement a statewide paid family and medical leave program in Maine.
"Maine's new paid family and medical leave program will support our working families, reduce financial insecurity and set our state on a better path to improved health and well-being," said Cloutier. "While I am honored to be recognized as a NewDEAL Ideas Challenge finalist, I want to acknowledge that this policy would not be a reality without the tireless commitment and work put in by so many people across the state. Together, we were able to craft a program that works for Maine one that will have a truly transformational impact."
The NewDEAL Ideas Challenge is a bi-annual policy competition that accepts submissions at any stage, from ideas to fully implemented policies. During this round, a panel of eight nationally-recognized policy experts evaluated about 80 policy ideas across four categories, and the top five submissions in each of the four categories were recognized as finalists.
"The Ideas Challenge shows how a group of innovative elected officials are doing more than identifying problems, they are rising to the occasion to find solutions," said Debbie Cox Bultan, CEO of NewDEAL. "And many of the ideas show how local officials are making the most of the major legislative victories under President Biden to spur long-lasting improvements to neighborhoods, cities and states across the nation. I congratulate the finalists for proposals that, together, set an important governing agenda for the country to follow, with a relentless focus on improving the lives of all our neighbors."
The winners of the 2023 Ideas Challenge will be announced next month at the annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Cloutier is the assistant House majority leader and is currently serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents House District 94, which includes part of Lewiston, her hometown.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Cloutier], 305-965-2744