Taking the Populist Uprising to the States
This panel will explore how the progressive populist uprising in which the Netroots plays such a central role is fighting the right at the state level. This state-level battle is a major focus of David Sirota's new book "The Uprising," which chronicles how progressives in the Montana legislature are taking on some of the most powerful bastions of the conservative coalition and winning. It is also the reason why the Progressive States Network exists. The panel will use real-world case-studies to show how state legislatures are some of the most important arenas in which the progressive uprising is unfolding.
Garnet Coleman has served the people of District 147 in the Texas House of Representatives continuously since 1991. Throughout his years of service, Rep. Coleman has earned a reputation as a diligent leader in the areas of health care, economic development and education. Representative Coleman has been recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus as he was named Outstanding Black Caucus Chair for 2004. Citing his advocacy for the voting rights of people of color Rep. Coleman was selected for the honor out of 32 state black caucus chairs across the country.
David Sirota is a political journalist, nationally syndicated weekly newspaper columnist and bestselling author living in Denver. His most recently published book, The Uprising, was recently named to the New York Times Best Seller list, joining its predecessor, Hostile Takeover. He is widely known for his reporting on political corruption, globalization and working-class economic issues often ignored by both of America's political parties. His weekly column, which was launched by Creators Syndicate in the Fall of 2007, now appears in newspapers with a combined daily circulation of more than 1.6 million readers.
Austin Guest is a Communications Specialist at Progressive States Network, where he manages the organization's traditional and online media production and outreach. Prior to joining PSN, Guest graduated with High Honors from Harvard University. As the Media Coordinator for Harvard's Student Labor Action Movement, Guest worked in close coordination with SEIU Local 615 to organize outsourced campus security guards. He was also a founding member of the Harvard chapter of the newly revamped Students for a Democratic Society. Guest is an occasional guest blogger on Sirotablog and keeps diaries on both Daily Kos and the Sanctuary.
