Alder Bridget Maniaci to Meet with President Obama and Administration Officials in Washington

City of Madison Alderperson Bridget Maniaci, District 2, will travel to Washington, D.C. Friday to meet with members of the Obama administration and attend an intimate reception with the president. Alder Maniaci is one of a small number of members of People For the American Way Foundation's Young Elected Officials Network, a network of young progressives in elected office, who was invited to the White House to discuss important issues facing states and localities. "I'm tremendously grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak directly with the President and senior administration officials on issues that are of great importance to the quality of life of the citizens of Madison," Maniaci said. Topics to be included for discussion include housing, the economy, sustainable energy, innovation and immigration reform. The Young Elected Officials Network serves progressive young elected officials under the age of 35, and its mission is to unite and support leaders who share a passion for building communities. The YEO Network aims to help propel young electeds successfully along their path to becoming effective public servants and provides support and training for over 600 progressive state, county and city elected officials from all 50 states. "We are thrilled to be able to take the observations and concerns of so many young, progressive elected officials to President Obama and the Administration," said Andrew Gillum, Executive Director of the Young Elected Officials Network. "These young leaders are on the front lines of progressive change, fighting for the values of fairness, equality and opportunity in their home communities. President Obama, a successful grassroots leader himself, understands that national movements are built by individual citizens and their elected representatives working hard to bring about positive change in their own communities. We're tremendously proud to be able to help the president get to know our communities and discuss the issues affecting states and localities across the country." Other current Wisconsin YEO members include State Senator Chris Larson and State Representative Kelda Helen Roys. Senator Larson received the President's Award of Distinction at this year's YEO National Convening from Michael Keegan, President of the People For the American Way Foundation. ###