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From cutting-edge policy research to illuminating analysis, we bring a racial equity lens to the most pressing issues facing our country. For our latest blog posts and media updates, visit our Media page.

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The U.S. Supreme Court building against a blue sky, overlaid with a map of Louisiana and a chain of "I Voted" sticker footprints being cut by scissors on either side

Voting Rights and Representation in the Aftermath of Louisiana v. Callais

This brief examines what the Supreme Court's Callais decision means for communities of color, what has already changed in its wake, and what reforms — from state voting rights acts to proportional representation — can meet this moment.

Policy Briefs
Angelo Ancheta
Cover of 'Solving the Affordability Crisis' by People's Action and Dēmos: a rising staircase of icons representing groceries, health care, energy, housing, and child care, each topped with dollar bills."

Solving the Affordability Crisis

The affordability crisis is the result of policy choices — and different choices can reverse it. This report from Dēmos and People's Action traces why housing, utilities, food, health care, and child care have become unaffordable, and five structural solutions for building a people-powered, racially just economy.

Policy Briefs
Demos
People's Action
A Black care worker in scrubs reviews a clipboard with an older Black woman seated on a couch. In the background, composite images show caregivers working with children and supporting elderly adults, overlaid with illustrated icons representing justice, economic opportunity, and care.

Empowering Care Workers: The Key to a Better Care Economy

Good care jobs are the foundation of a good care economy. Empowering care workers through better pay, stronger protections, and collective voice would improve care quality, reduce workforce shortages, and advance racial and economic equity.

Policy Briefs
Nick Wertsch

Trends In Revenue And The Fiscal Condition

Left out of the debate about the U.S.
Research
Tamara Draut
Robert Hiltonsmith

Sick and In the Red: Medical Debt and Its Economic Impact

For many years, health care costs have been steadily rising. As employers have moved into insurance coverage options with greater out-of-pocket expenses or have stopped providing health care coverage altogether, American families have struggled with the burden of health care costs. 
Research
Jose Garcia
Mark Rukavina

The Investment Deficit

In the last thirty years, our nation has experienced a paradox of productivity and progress. Productivity, driven by extraordinary growth in technology and an increased push towards consumption, has nearly tripled. Meanwhile social, environmental, and educational progress has stalled.
Policy Briefs
Tamara Draut
Robert Hiltonsmith

Social Security: It's Built to Last

Social Security remains our nation’s key source of retirement income for most Americans. The program’s overall health is sound and with relatively modest tweaks to the program’s financing, we can strengthen the system for generations to come.

Policy Briefs
Tamara Draut
Robert Hiltonsmith

Understanding the Federal Deficit and the National Debt

STABILIZING THE DEBT: SHORT, MEDIUM, AND LONG TERM POLICY
Research
Tamara Draut
Robert Hiltonsmith
Becky Theiss

Committee on Government Operations and the Environment, DC

Testimony of Steven Carbo Roundtable of the Council of the District of Columbia, Committee on Government Operations and the Environment October 8, 2010
Testimony and Public Comment
Steven Carbó

Building North Carolina's Future Middle Class: Addressing the Challenges Facing Young Adults

Young adults in North Carolina and across the country are confronting an economic reality vastly different from that of their parent’s generation. Over the past three decades, economic opportunity and security for all but the most affluent and most highly educated has declined. Today, North Carolina

Policy Briefs
Lucy Mayo
Viany Orozco
Alexandra Forter Sirota
North Carolina Justice Center

Voting In 2010: Ten Swing States

In this report, we review a number of election laws and policies in 10 states chosen because they are expected to have close elections.

Research
Common Cause

The Color of Debt: Credit Card Debt by Race and Ethnicity

Recent federal action, including the passage of the Credit Card Bill of Rights of 2009 and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, provided needed regulation and oversight of the credit card industry. However, past debt continues to haunt families even as they add on new debt. The
Policy Briefs
Jose Garcia

Statement Submitted to the Election Assistance Commission

American Association Of People With Disabilities, Demos, Lawyers' Committee For Civil Rights Under Law, League Of Women Voters Of The United States, And Project Vote
Testimony and Public Comment