Building an Economy for All
Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans, not just those at the top, benefit from growth.
What We're Working On
What We're Doing
Investing in a stronger and more equitable economy
We must continue to invest in research, technology, and innovation in a manner that ensures participation and benefits communities that are too often left behind. Only through such an approach can the United States remain at the cutting edge in an increasingly competitive global market.
Strengthening worker power and economic mobility
We need to increase wages, reduce poverty among working families, increase worker power, and create pathways to economic mobility for all.
Raising the floor for basic living standards
Working toward a stronger and more equitable economy for everyone involves rebuilding, expanding, and strengthening America’s social safety net to make it more comprehensive in eligibility and services as well as more flexible in how it can be accessed and used.
Creating a new social compact with business
A new social compact with business includes a regulatory vision that better aligns investors, companies, and the public interest on critical matters such as climate, workers’ rights, and equality.
By the numbers
60M
The families of more than 60 million children have received CTC monthly payments since July 2021.
CAP, “Making the CTC and EITC Expansions Permanent Would Reduce Poverty and Grow the Economy” (2021).
$100
In 32 states, a typical family would save more than $100 per week on child care under the Build Back Better Act.
CAP, “The Build Back Better Act Would Greatly Lower Families’ Child Care Costs” (2021).
$22.5B
In a year, workers and their families lose $22.5 billion in wages due to lack of access to paid family and medical leave.
CAP, “A Real Recovery for Women Cannot Happen Without the Build Back Better Agenda” (2021).
$3.6T
The Build Back Better Act would raise $3.6 trillion in revenue to support investments in an inclusive, high-growth economy.
CAP, “Addressing Tax System Failings That Favor Billionaires and Corporations” (2021).
What You Can Do
Recent work
Q&A With CAP’s New Senior Vice President for Education, Jesse O’Connell
Guns and Violence Against Women: A Summary of Key Challenges and Solutions
Comment on Georgia Access Model Section 1332 Waiver
Education Policies Need To Address the Unique Needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities
Latest
Farewell for Now, but Not for Long
The final Thinking CAP podcast revisits Daniella and Ed's discussion with AFSCME President Lee Saunders about the labor movement
Planning for the Future in an Uncertain Economy
This week, Ed sits down with CAP Senior Economist Gbenga Ajilore to discuss warning signs in the economy, what they might mean, as well as some of the contributing factors.
Darrick Hamilton: The Blueprint for a Better Society
This week, Daniella and Ed speak with Darrick Hamilton, executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University, to discuss the U.S. economy, inequality, and reparations.
The Urgency of Equality, With Charlotte Clymer and Laura Durso
Ed and Daniella sit down with Charlotte Clymer, press secretary for rapid response at the Human Rights Campaign, and CAP's Laura Durso, to discuss the likely passage of the Equality Act in the House of Representatives.
Turning the Page on Climate, With Robinson Meyer and Christy Goldfuss
This week, Daniella and Ed speak with Robinson Meyer, a climate reporter for The Atlantic, and Christy Goldfuss, senior vice president for Energy and Environment Policy at CAP, about renewed energy on climate change.
Mayor Eric Garcetti: From the Ground Up
This week, Daniella and Ed spoke with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti about how his city is moving the needle forward on issues such as infrastructure, immigration, and criminal justice.
Why Rep. Jennifer Wexton Wants to End Shutdowns for Good
This week, Daniella and Ed sit down with freshman Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) to discuss her thoughts on the recent government shutdown.
Strength in Numbers: Talking Labor with AFSCME President Lee Saunders
This week, Daniella and Ed chat with AFSCME President Lee Saunders about the state of unions in the United States, particularly the rising popularity of unions among young people.
‘It’s a New Day’: In Conversation With Chairwoman Maxine Waters
This week, Rep. Maxine Waters discusses her top priorities in her new role as chairwoman of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee—and how she plans to hold the Trump administration accountable.
Sandy Still Speaks: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
This week, Daniella moderates a panel with Cannon Lambert, the Bland family attorney, and David Heilbroner, co-director of the documentary, “Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland,” during a live screening of the film at the Center for American Progress.