For more than 50 years, America has been the world's economic leader. Our very success, however, is helping to flatten the global playing field -- giving rise to a new set of international competitors. Meeting the challenges of this new economy is a test for lawmakers at every level of government.

Across the country, Democratic legislators are pushing innovative policies to protect their state economies, attract new industries, and create more jobs.

To protect Oregon citizens from the current mortgage crisis, legislators in that state made significant changes to foreclosure laws this year. The new regulations require a more complete set of notifications to homeowners facing foreclosure, end rescue mortgage scams, and place additional restrictions on both foreclosure consultants and equity purchasers.

To create new opportunities in Washington state, legislators passed a bill to create a green jobs growth initiative. By investing in a clean, efficient energy economy, lawmakers aim to expand the number of green-collar jobs from 8,400 in 2004 to 25,000 by 2020.

Efforts like these, pushed by Democratic majorities, help to shield American citizens from the basic uncertainties of the future and offer opportunities for success.