Nationwide Millennial Political Group, Common Sense Action, to Release First Bipartisan Policy Agenda

Report Addresses Student Loan Reform, Entitlement Reform, Other Key Issues for Young Americans

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Jun 10, 2014, 08:40 ET

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Common Sense Action (CSA), a nationwide Millennial advocacy organization, will today release the Agenda for Generational Equity (AGE) - the first-ever comprehensive national policy agenda designed to speak to the needs and concerns of Millennials on issues such as student loan reform, entitlement reform, fiscal policy, and national service. AGE was created with support from the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC).

Bipartisan Policy Center Logo (PRNewsFoto/Bipartisan Policy Center) (PRNewsFoto/Bipartisan Policy Center)

Young Americans today face student loan debt topping a record $1.2 trillion, unemployment rates nearly double the national average, and the prospect of the Social Security Trust Fund being exhausted long before they reach retirement. AGE suggests a path forward that would create a brighter future and greater opportunity for Millennials and the nation as a whole.

"It doesn't matter whether you're 18 or 80, these issues are important," said CSA Co-Founder and CEO Sam Gilman. "We want to bring fresh Millennial perspectives to today's political debates."

AGE has three main goals, or pillars: advancing generational fairness by sustaining a social safety net for future generations; increasing Millennial mobility by investing in education, workforce development and infrastructure; and repairing politics by engaging more young Americans in active citizenship through voting and national service. Within each pillar, CSA outlines specific goals and proposes a series of policy options that would help achieve those goals.

"This partnership is really about engaging America's youth in our national debate," said BPC President Jason Grumet. "And it makes sense that the most diverse generation in America's history would have such diverse and wide-ranging ideas."

The event, which will be held at the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars at 7 p.m., will feature speeches from Stanley Druckenmiller, former chairman and president of Duquesne Capital and long-time advocate for the concept of generational fairness, and former Senator Bob Bennett, a BPC Senior Fellow. It will also include a panel discussion among CSA leaders explaining the process by which AGE was created.

Watch the webcast here.

"Entitlements have made a great contribution as a social safety net for today's seniors," said Druckenmiller. "These young people understand that without significant reform to current policies – and soon – those benefits will not be available for future generations, including them."

AGE was created following a year-long process that began with each college chapter researching and voting on their members' most important issues. Chapter leaders gathered at BPC in January for a two-day summit to finalize the list of policy options. A team of Policy Fellows spent the spring semester conducting additional research and crafting the final document.

"It was so inspiring to see the way these students forcefully debated and discussed their points in crafting this agenda," said Senator Bennett. "I would invite members of Congress to learn from their example."

During the 2014 spring semester, CSA's more than 20 chapters raised awareness about the effort on their college campuses, gathering nearly 3,500 signatures in support of the agenda's goals. CSA also partnered with other student organizations to host dozens of on-campus events including political debates, town halls and movie screenings.

About Common Sense Action
Common Sense Action is a grassroots organization that expands opportunity for Millennials by bringing the next generation to the policymaking table and building a movement of Millennial voters committed to advancing generational fairness, investing in Millennial mobility, and repairing politics.

About the Bipartisan Policy Center
Founded in 2007 by former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole and George Mitchell, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue. With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. For more information, please visit www.bipartisanpolicy.org.

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SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center