Washington state Rep. Cyrus Habib, D-Kirkland, was selected Oct. 17 as one of 12 rising leaders from across the country to join the NewDEAL, a national network that is committed to highlighting innovative ideas from state and local elected leaders who are pro-growth progressives.

Gov. Martin O’Malley of Maryland and U.S. Sen. Mark Begich of Alaska, Honorary Chairs of the NewDEAL, recognized Habib’s efforts to grow the economy by connecting start-ups with better access to investments, simpler rules, and a skilled workforce.

“Sen. Begich and I have joined the NewDEAL because we believe we need to look for fresh ideas not just from the top down in Washington, but also from the bottom up, where innovative leaders like Rep. Habib are developing and testing their ideas out on the ground,” said O’Malley, the honorary co-chair of the NewDEAL.

“In communities throughout the country, rising state and local leaders such as Cyrus Habib are proving that you can be both pro-growth and progressive. The NewDEAL is designed to foster these types of ideas and these types of leaders,” said Begich, the honorary co-chair of the NewDEAL.

“I am excited at the opportunity to work with other pro-growth progressives to find creative solutions to move our nation forward. I am honored to be included in this cohort of NewDEAL Leaders, and look forward to life-long friendships and collaborations,” Habib said. “I’m looking forward to sharing ideas with others around the country, and bringing the best solutions back home to Washington state.”

Habib is currently featured on the NewDEAL’s interactive website at www.NewDEALLeaders.org/NewDEAL-Leaders/Cyrus-Habib.

He joins Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland as the second NewDEAL leader from Washington.