Clinton Foundation Launches Policy Initiative

The Clinton Foundation announced a new program aimed at aiding state and local governments in crafting nonpartisan policies to improve health, particularly for women and children. This initiative, known as the Clinton Policy Institute (CPI), marks the foundation’s first in over ten years. The institute has started gathering input from political leaders across the spectrum, research experts, and people directly impacted by these issues.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton emphasized the current challenges families face, citing economic uncertainty and rapid technological changes. She stated that CPI was created to find practical, evidence-based solutions to these challenges.

CPI has previously collaborated with New York to implement a policy banning cellphones in schools to create distraction-free environments. Though the institute was not officially established during this collaboration, the success of the initiative urged the foundation to formally announce CPI’s creation.

Leadership within CPI includes Zayn Siddique as chief executive officer and Jennifer Klein as chair. Siddique previously served in the Domestic Policy Council, while Klein led the White House Gender Policy Council under President Biden.

In New York, CPI’s efforts led to the establishment of the Teen Tech Council, enhancing the effectiveness of the phone-ban program. According to New York’s administration, the initiative resulted in improved student behavior and engagement.

Hillary Clinton highlighted CPI’s role in uniting policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and community organizations to forge successful policy networks and convert ideas into actionable policies. She noted the significant innovation happening at state and local levels.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly praised CPI’s nonpartisan approach, calling a recent CPI conference on children’s issues the best she has attended as governor. Kelly, a Democrat in a Republican-leaning state, commended CPI for facilitating bipartisan solutions for issues affecting children and healthcare.

Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, agreed on the possibility of crafting nonpartisan solutions, provided the intent remains clear. He pointed out the inherently political nature of health-related issues, which are often polarized during elections.

Adams participated in CPI’s efforts to extend California’s ACEs Aware initiative to other states, addressing adverse childhood experiences such as abuse and neglect. This strategy has caught the attention of states like Utah and Georgia, traditionally led by Republicans.

The Clinton Foundation believes there is potential for broader application of CPI’s approach. Hillary Clinton expressed hope that shared innovative policies can restore faith in progress and strengthen communities.

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