Digital Chamber launches initiative to advance U.S. Crypto policy. * The Digital Chamber's State Network aims to educate U.S. lawmakers on blockchain and digital asset regulations. * The partnership with Future Caucus focuses on engaging young lawmakers to enhance understanding of digital currencies. * The Digital Chamber will host workshops and training sessions nationwide to demystify blockchain technology. * The Microgrants Program will fund local blockchain groups and universities to promote digital asset education. * Major companies, including Input Output and Hadera, support the Digital Chamber's efforts with research and policy insights. The Digital Chamber has launched a new initiative designed to help U.S. states understand and regulate blockchain and digital assets. The program, known as the State Network, will educate lawmakers, foster collaboration, and support local advocacy groups in shaping transparent crypto regulations. By offering resources and guidance, the Digital Chamber aims to improve how states approach digital money and cryptocurrency. Digital Chamber educates lawmakers on blockchain technology. One of the key components of the Digital Chamber's State Network is providing lawmakers with the tools and knowledge to understand blockchain technology. Currently, many lawmakers lack the necessary information to create effective crypto regulations. To address this, the Digital Chamber will offer workshops, training sessions, and presentations to explain blockchain and digital assets clearly. The Digital Chamber has partnered with the Future Caucus to amplify its efforts. This collaboration will focus on young lawmakers, including Gen Z and millennials, who can learn from each other's experiences. Together, they will create opportunities for lawmakers to exchange ideas and discuss the potential benefits and risks of digital assets. The two organizations will embark on a nationwide tour in 2026 to help legislators from different states better understand the complexities of digital currencies. Microgrants Program supports local advocacy. In addition to the State Network, the Digital Chamber has announced the launch of its Microgrants Program. This initiative is designed to assist small blockchain organizations and local advocacy groups. The goal is to help these groups educate their communities about digital assets, blockchain technology, and related policies. Through the Microgrants Program, the Digital Chamber will fund local blockchain associations, university clubs, and other educational efforts. These grants will support the creation of educational materials, policy development, and community outreach. By fostering long-term partnerships between local organizations and state lawmakers, the Digital Chamber aims to enhance cooperation and ensure informed decision-making on digital asset regulations. The Digital Chamber's efforts will also encourage ongoing collaboration between local advocacy groups, state legislators, and universities. This will help build a robust foundation for blockchain education and policy development in states across the U.S. Major companies, including Input Output and Hadera, have already pledged their support for the Digital Chamber's initiative, providing valuable research and policy insights to strengthen the program.

Alexis Calatayud to receive national 'Rising Star Award' for bipartisan leadership. 'Her dedication to building bipartisan solutions demonstrates the power of rising lawmakers to create meaningful, lasting impact.' Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud will be recognized in the nation's capital this month for her bipartisan approach to tackling some of Florida's toughest policy challenges. The nonprofit Future Caucus announced that Calatayud is one of four state lawmakers to receive its 2025 Rising Star Award on Nov. 18, citing her "commitment to advancing pragmatic, results-oriented policy." The Rising Star Awards recognize Gen Z and millennial lawmakers who work across party lines to address critical issues for their constituents and the nation. Calatayud, the Future Caucus said, has "championed affordable housing, early education and services for individuals with disabilities, drawing on her experience in youth civic engagement and state education policy to deliver results." Future Caucus President and CEO Layla Zaidane praised Calatayud's "spirit of collaboration and practical leadership." "Her dedication to building bipartisan solutions demonstrates the power of rising lawmakers to create meaningful, lasting impact," Zaidane said. "We are proud to recognize her with the Rising Star Award and highlight her work as a model for leaders across the country." Among other things, Calatayud has successfully sponsored the "Live Local Act," a monumental measure meant to speed the development of affordable and workforce housing; a 2025 law designed to improve Florida's school readiness program; and a 2024 law to strengthen Florida's employment standards for people with disabilities. "Working closely with Democratic Rep. Kevin Chambliss, whose district overlaps with hers, she has built bridges across chambers and parties to move her state forward," the Future Caucus said. She will be honored alongside Georgia state Rep. Imani Barnes, a Democratic biomedical scientist and public health advocate. Democratic state Sen. Löki Tobin and Republican state Rep. Justin Ruffridge of Alaska are also to receive the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award, which the Future Caucus categorizes as a Rising Star Award, for their joint efforts to strengthen public education. "Public service is about finding common ground and focusing on what truly matters to people's lives," Calatayud said in a statement. "As young lawmakers, we have a responsibility to lead with authenticity, deliver results, and strengthen faith in our community. I'm honored to receive this award from Future Caucus and look forward to the work ahead." Other award recipients this year include Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, who will receive the Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership.