Bipartisan Policy Center Announces New Governors' Council

Group of bipartisan former governors bring pragmatic state-based perspectives to issues of national concern

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) announced today that it will create a new Governors' Council with retiring Democratic and Republican governors.  The Governors' Council includes former Governors Phil Bredesen (D-TN), Jim Douglas (R-VT), Brad Henry (D-OK), Linda Lingle (R-HI), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Ted Strickland (D-OH).

"These governors are problem solvers. They have a proven track record of working across the aisle to achieve results," said BPC President Jason Grumet.  "We intend to look to the states for innovative ideas and solutions that can help build a consensus for federal action."

Recognizing that governors around the country are on the frontlines of many of the nation's foremost challenges, including health care cost and quality issues, an aging transportation system, and evolving terrorist threats, the BPC is forming a Governors' Council to gain insights and advice from governors who have recently left office.  

"These are truly effective leaders that have great track records in problem solving. As a former Governor, I recognize the benefit of including state-based viewpoints when looking for solutions on national issues. The BPC and its policy projects will significantly benefit from the insight and advice of governors who have recently left office," said Dirk Kempthorne, co-chair of the BPC's Democracy Project and the former Governor of Idaho.

The Governors' Council will meet periodically throughout the year to discuss issues of national importance, including debt reduction, transportation, health, national and homeland security, energy and congressional reforms.  The group's first meeting will take place next month in Washington, D.C.

About the Bipartisan Policy Center:

In 2007, former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell formed the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) to develop and promote solutions that can attract the public support and political momentum to achieve real progress. Currently, the BPC focuses on issues including health care, energy, national and homeland security, transportation, and economic policy. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/.

SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center