Clinton Foundation launches an institute to help state governments find nonpartisan solutions

The Clinton Foundation announced Monday the launch of the Clinton Policy Institute (CPI), a new initiative aimed at helping state and local governments develop and implement nonpartisan policy solutions focused on improving health outcomes, economic security, and democratic governance. The institute marks the foundation's first major effort in over a decade and builds on previous collaborations with state governments, including New York, where CPI contributed to efforts to reduce distractions in classrooms by implementing cellphone bans. The foundation, led by former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and public health expert Chelsea Clinton, emphasized that rising costs, economic instability, and rapid technological changes have made it increasingly difficult for families to achieve stability. In a statement, Hillary Clinton noted that the institute was established to promote practical, evidence-based policies that can enhance people's lives. CPI has already begun working with political leaders from both parties, research experts, and individuals impacted by the issues under study to explore innovative approaches to longstanding challenges. CPI's work in New York exemplifies its approach. Last year, the foundation partnered with Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration to introduce a policy banning cellphones in schools, aiming to reduce distractions during learning. Although CPI had not yet officially existed at the time, the collaboration demonstrated the potential of such initiatives. The foundation later expanded the effort, leading to the formation of the Teen Tech Council, which engaged students in shaping the implementation of the phone ban. According to Hochul’s office, educators observed improved classroom behavior and student engagement as a result. Zayn Siddique, formerly the principal deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council, has been appointed as CPI’s chief executive officer. Jennifer Klein, who previously served as director of the White House Gender Policy Council under President Joe Biden, will act as CPI’s chair. These appointments reflect the foundation’s commitment to assembling a diverse group of professionals capable of driving meaningful policy change. Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas praised CPI’s nonpartisan approach, calling a recent conference on child welfare “the best roundtable I’ve been involved with since becoming governor.” As a Democratic leader in a traditionally Republican state, Kelly highlighted the importance of bipartisanship in addressing pressing social issues. She expressed confidence that CPI could facilitate collaborative problem-solving, even amid heightened political polarization. “Every once in a while, you get people from both sides of the aisle who come together and crafted, maybe not sexy legislation, but something that really needed to be done,” Kelly remarked. Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General under President Donald Trump, acknowledged the possibility of achieving nonpartisan solutions in certain areas, though he cautioned that such efforts must be deliberate. He pointed out that many health-related topics, such as access to care, reproductive rights, drug policy, and firearm safety, are inherently political. “Health is inherently political,” Adams stated. “When you talk about access to healthcare coverage, when you talk women’s health issues, particularly around the issue of abortion and contraception, when you talk about drug policy and whether you’re in favor of harm reduction, when you talk of firearm safety, all of these are inherently political issues.” As CPI moves forward, it aims to continue fostering dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and community stakeholders to translate insights into actionable policies. With its initial successes in New York and growing interest from figures like Governor Kelly, the institute appears poised to play a significant role in shaping future state-level reforms.