States Matter

Web Article

Why States Matter primer from Sister District Project. Although written after the 2016 election, the points made are still relevant: state laws have a huge impact on daily life, state legislatures often control districting, state laws often spread to other states and then become national laws, state leaders become national leaders. 

Suggested Reading

State Capture: How Conservative Activists, Big Business, and Wealthy Donors Reshaped the American States--and the Nation by Alexander Hertel-Fernandez. Provides the first in-depth and accessible history of the rise of cross-state conservative lobbying groups, including the American Legislative Exchange Council, the State Policy Network, and Americans for Prosperity, documenting both their victories and importantly, their missteps, over time. Draws on archival evidence, interviews, and original data collection to document why liberals have struggled to build cross-state organizing clout compared to conservatives. Spells out the specific policy consequences of conservative cross-state organizing, including its effects on labor market standards, unions, and the Affordable Care Act. Sheds new light on the relationship between politicians, activists, donors, and businesses, as well as how businesses shape state policy

The 2040 Project: Democrats, Democracy, and Power Over the Next 40 Years is a comprehensive discussion about what needs to happen in the next 20 years in order to solidify Dem power. Much focuses on the states (dire scenarios in the Senate), so I think it could go under Why States Matter. They provide the steps needed to preserve Dem control in Washington, like convincing white voters in sparsely populated states to pull the lever for Dems. Lots I hadn’t thought about before.