Making Capitalism Work For All Summit Overview

It’s not all bad in Washington D.C…Executive Director John Imes just attended the two-day American Sustainable Business & Advocacy Summit – Making Capitalism Work for All. The National Summit brings together a unique cross-section of thinkers and doers, including business leaders, activists, economists, and elected officials for conversations on national, state and local policy issues, socioeconomic challenges, and trends, plus networking events and meetings on Capitol Hill about ways we can achieve a clean economy that works for everyone. Some highlights:

A workshop on what it will take to solve the climate crisis through bipartisan support for investment in green infrastructure, clean energy and water quality; and the need to reduce subsidies for fossil fuels.

• Robert Pollin, an economist at The University of Massachusetts Amherst made a strong case for a #GreenNewDeal that will get us to net zero emissions by 2050 by committing 2% of GDP each year for robust energy efficiency and clean energy investments while maintaining economic growth and prosperity.
• A workshop on the future of work: Why the high road is the only road! Successful companies increasingly support a livable minimum wage and benefits, family-friendly policies and social justice.
• How states, cities and rural communities are pursuing initiatives that result in higher wages, job skills-based education and training, revitalized Main Streets and greener infrastructure.
• A panel of Gen Z and millennial leaders questioning “business as usual” and outlining social, environmental, political and economic ways we can create a sustainable economy.

On day two, John joined an ASBC-led small group on Capitol Hill including meetings with U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) plus legislative staff at the offices of Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Rep. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA).

John also attended an event with members of the U.S. House of Representatives Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). The group advances policies that promote clean energy innovation and domestic manufacturing, develop renewable energy resources, and create good green jobs across the economy to address climate change, protect our nation’s clean air, water, and natural environment, and promote environmental justice.