Millennials officially became the America’s largest living generation last year, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. As more of them get involved in politics and advocacy, a group of Alabama lawmakers want to make sure their voices are heard in the state Legislature.
On Thursday, a bipartisan group of state legislators under the age of 40 came together to form the Alabama State Future Caucus. Together, these young and innovative legislators have committed to working on the issues facing millennials and future generations.
Led by 36-year-old Republican Rep. Kyle South of Tuscaloosa and 40-year-old Democratic Chris England also of Tuscaloosa, the Future Caucus is part of a nationwide movement of millennial legislators who are seeking to find common ground in an era of hyper partisanship. Members of the caucus will work to break through partisan gridlock and reestablish political cooperation.
An initiative of the Millennial Action Project, there are now 17 Future Caucuses in state legislatures across the country making it the largest nonpartisan organization of millennial elected officials in the United States.
“Millennial Action Project is thrilled to expand its State Future Caucus network in the South, with Alabama today joining Florida and Georgia. It’s encouraging that Reps. England and South are committed to working together, across party lines, to make sure that our voices are heard at the state capitol,” said Steven Olikara, Co-Founder and President of Millennial Action Project. “Millennials have the power to shape the future of politics in our country, if today is any indication, we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Defined as young adults ages 18 to 34, millennials make up 27.1% of the state’s population. According to Forbes, millennials will make up 46% of the workforce by 2020. Even now the millennial generation accounts for over 33% of the national workforce, making the new caucus’ work even more important to the future of Alabama.
“I’m honored to serve as a Co-Chair of the Alabama Future Caucus and with my colleagues, support the work of the Millennial Action Project as we work to find new and innovative ways to tackle political issues that are important to younger generations,” said England.
South noted, “I’m thrilled to lead the Alabama Future Caucus with Rep. England to ensure that the concerns of millennials are a priority when the Alabama House of Representatives sets its agenda each session.”
Watch the announcement of the Alabama State Future Caucus below:
