Mass deportations would severely disrupt the economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. Families with mixed immigration statuses, many of whom are gainfully employed and paying taxes, would be affected. The agricultural sector would face labor shortages, leading to increased grocery prices. Additionally, industries like long-term care and hospital services would struggle without essential workers, further destabilizing the economy.
Governor Kelly plans to continue finding common ground with the Republican supermajority, focusing on the 1% of shared interests to push forward good policies. She will also strategically enlist Kansans to support her agenda, leveraging public opinion to counter extreme measures like school vouchers, Medicaid expansion blockades, and harmful tax cuts.
Governor Healey prioritizes lowering housing costs and increasing housing availability in Massachusetts. She has passed a $5 billion housing bond bill to incentivize development and is working on changing zoning laws to make housing more affordable. She also emphasizes the importance of federal infrastructure funding to support these efforts.
Governor Lujan Grisham is focusing on building affordable housing on state land to bypass lengthy zoning and planning processes. She is announcing a major housing development plan for Albuquerque and emphasizes leveraging the collaborative efforts of Democratic governors to address housing issues nationally.
The governors highlight the critical role of the National Guard in responding to emergencies, such as natural disasters. For example, Governor Lujan Grisham mentioned the Guard's swift water rescues in southeastern New Mexico, which saved lives. They stress the importance of local decision-making in deploying the Guard effectively.
Democratic governors successfully defended all their current states, with notable victories like Josh Stein's win in North Carolina by the largest margin ever. They emphasize the importance of delivering tangible results, such as lowering costs, expanding healthcare, and improving education, to maintain voter support and translate state-level success to national elections.
The governors advocate for real dialogue and community engagement to bridge political divides. Governor Lujan Grisham, for example, holds town halls to listen to constituents and address their concerns directly. They believe that meaningful personal conversations and consistent engagement outside of election cycles can help reduce polarization.
The group chat serves as a supportive network for the governors, allowing them to share advice, discuss professional challenges, and navigate personal issues. It also fosters camaraderie and collaboration, helping them grow the ranks of Democratic women governors and strengthen their collective impact.
The governors of New Mexico, Massachusetts and Kansas discuss how they will navigate a new Trump era, their priorities in their states and what they've learned from each other as leaders.
Conversation recorded on November 21, 2024 at Global Women’s Summit