The Clinton Foundation launched a new initiative to support state and local governments in creating effective policy solutions. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes with a focus on women and children, enhance economic security, and strengthen democracy. Known as the Clinton Policy Institute (CPI), this is the foundation’s first major initiative in over ten years.
CPI has initiated collaborative efforts involving political leaders from various parties, research experts, and community members. This approach aims to develop practical solutions for longstanding issues. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton emphasized the need for evidence-based solutions to address rising costs and economic instability, which pose challenges for families.
In collaboration with New York state, CPI successfully piloted a policy to ban cellphones in schools. While CPI had not been formally established during the collaboration with Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, the success of this initiative encouraged the Clinton Foundation to expand CPI. This is reminiscent of the strategy used during the launch of the Clinton Health Access Initiative in 2004.
Zayn Siddique, former principal deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council, will serve as CPI’s CEO. Jennifer Klein, with a background as director of the White House Gender Policy Council under President Joe Biden, will be CPI’s chair.
In New York, the creation of the Teen Tech Council by CPI played a role in the cellphone ban’s success, leading to noticeable improvements in classroom behavior and engagement, according to Governor Hochul’s office.
Hillary Clinton highlighted CPI’s focus on state and local innovations by connecting policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and community organizations. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly praised CPI’s nonpartisan approach at a recent conference on children’s welfare, describing it as a highly effective forum for dialogue and problem-solving.
Despite political divides, Governor Kelly maintained that CPI is poised to achieve bipartisan support, especially concerning children’s issues and healthcare, by providing state leaders with the necessary research and resources.
Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, supported the potential for nonpartisan solutions but noted the need for intentional efforts due to the inherently political nature of health issues. Adams acknowledged CPI’s success in gaining bipartisan support for solutions targeting adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Adams referenced the initiative in California that began screening and addressing ACEs in 2020, urging other states to consider adopting similar measures. This strategy has already prompted interest from Republican-led states like Utah and Georgia in California’s approach.
The Clinton Foundation remains optimistic about scaling these successful policies nationwide. Hillary Clinton urged faith in progress as innovative policies continue to emerge across the country, deserving recognition and adoption.
The Associated Press, in collaboration with The Conversation US and funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., provides coverage on philanthropy and nonprofits. AP maintains responsibility for the content. For more on philanthropy, visit AP’s philanthropy coverage.
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