Cong. McDermott, MD, has been a leading advocate for universal, single payer health insurance. He is also the author of a "Fairness Agenda for America" the principles of which are: dignified work, environmental justice, economic redistribution, democratic participation, community empowerment, global non-violence, and social justice. Some of his specific proposals in support of these goals are: developing and renewing infrastructure such as mass transit, schools, and health clinics; government job creation;alternative trade compacts that protect workers; cutting the defense budget; negotiating with  Russia to eliminate their nukes; more unfettered federal funds for communities; eliminating subsidies for polluters and replacing them with subsidies for enviromentally sound producers;increasing funds for low-income housing; and limiting campaign spending.

 

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu has set up an Office of Social Entrepreneurship within the Lieutenant Governor's Office. He has sponsored seminars such as, "Changing Louisiana Through Volunteerism and Social Entrepreneurship," and brought in speakers such as Jeff Swartz, Timberland Inc.'s president and chief executive officer; and Joi Gordon, Dress for Success' worldwide president and chief executive officer. The seminars are designed to provide information and ideas, including sources of advice and grants, to people and organizations that will try the social entrepreneurship approach.

 

Landrieu's goal, according to his chief of staff, Judy Reese Morse, also the director of the Office of Social Entrepreneurship, "is to create an army of volunteers and service leaders to contribute to the state's rebuilding efforts through service." In social entrepreneurship, "you try to generate private capital and direct it to cultural forces."