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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 Human Cost of Houseplants cover image

The Human Cost of Houseplants: Labor Conditions of Florida’s Plant Nursery Workers

This report exposes the hidden labor crisis behind America's booming houseplant industry and makes the case for a worker-driven accountability model that has already delivered real improvements for workers in other industries.

Research
Demos
WeCount!
Partners for Dignity and Rights
Voters of color at the voting booths

HB 219 – Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026

HB 219 strengthens Maryland’s democratic institutions, maintains the legacy of the federal 
Voting Rights Act, and ensures that voters possess robust tools to fight voter intimidation and 
suppressive election practices. 

Testimony and Public Comment
Angelo Ancheta
Black woman standing at a voting booth

HB 350 – Maryland Voting Rights Act of 2026

The protections outlined in HB 350 are essential to ensuring that all Marylanders—particularly those from historically disenfranchised communities—have an equal opportunity to elect representatives of 
their choice.

Testimony and Public Comment
Angelo Ancheta

Letter of Support for the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009

Dear Senator: I urge you to support S. 414, the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, which is expected to come before the full Senate in the coming days. The legislation, introduced by Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT), would outlaw several abusive
Testimony and Public Comment
Tamara Draut

Hearing of the New York State Standing Committee on Elections: Testimony of Steven Carbo

The New York State Senate Committee on Elections began a series of public hearings on a package of election reform proposals. The second hearing — taking place in New York City — includes testimony showing the potential for increased voter turnout from Same Day Registration, by Steven Carbo, Senior
Testimony and Public Comment
Steven Carbó

Boston City Council Hearing on Campaign Finance Reform: Testimony of Brenda Wright

Testimony of Democracy Program Director Brenda Wright before the Boston City Council on Campaign Finance Reform

Testimony and Public Comment
Brenda Wright

Letter to House Financial Services in Support of Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights

Dear Representative and member of the Financial Services Committee: The undersigned consumer, civil rights, small business, investor, community and labor organizations representing tens of millions of Americans strongly urge you to vote for H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act (Rep
Testimony and Public Comment

Lessons Learned from the 2008 Election: Testimony of Miles Rapoport

Demos submitted this testimony from Demos President Miles Rapoport to the House Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, highlighting the denial of voter registration opportunities for low-income voters and veterans, and underscoring the continued systemic problems with the
Testimony and Public Comment
Miles Rapoport

Elective Franchise: Registration and Voting on Election Day Testimony of Allegra Chapman

Allegra Chapman, Counsel in the Democracy Program, delivers testimony on the benefits of Election Day Registration before the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Maryland General Assembly.
Testimony and Public Comment
Allegra Chapman

The Contract for College

The Contract for College would unify the existing three strands of federal financial aid — grants, loans and work-study — into a coherent, guaranteed financial aid package for students.

Policy Briefs
Caleb Gibson
Viany Orozco

Elective Franchise: Registration and Voting on Election Day Testimony of Allegra Chapman

Allegra Chapman, Counsel in the Democracy Program, delivers testimony on the benefits of Election Day Registration before the House Ways and Means Committee of the Maryland General Assembly.
Testimony and Public Comment
Allegra Chapman

Election Day Voter Registration in New Mexico

Report authors R. Michael Alvarez and Jonathan Nagler have analyzed the likely impact on voter turnout should New Mexico adopt Same Day Registration (SDR). Under the system proposed in New Mexico, eligible voters who miss the current 28-day deadline for registering by mail may be able to register to
Research
R. Michael Alvarez
Jonathan Nagler

Senior Economic Security Fact Sheet

Economic security for seniors was built on the three-legged stool of retirement (Social Security, pensions, and savings) at the core of the social contract that rewards a lifetime of productivity. Economic security of seniors, however, is being challenged by two simultaneously occurring trends: a
Policy Briefs
Jennifer Wheary
Thomas M. Shapiro
Tatjana Meschede