Building an Economy for All

Extending the Trump Tax Cuts Would Harm the Economy and Raise Consumer Borrowing Costs While Pushing Up Debt

A new report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office finds that extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would hurt—not help—the economy.

Understanding the Working Class and the Challenges It Faces

The working class, a large majority of the workforce and its most racially and ethnically diverse group, faces low pay and higher unemployment.

CAP Testimony Before the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Capital Markets About Investor Access to Capital

Alexandra Thornton testified before the House Financial Service’s Committee’s Subcommittee on Capital Markets in response to private market expansion proposals that would heighten risks for investors and the financial system.

The Trump Administration Is Hurting Consumers’ Wallets by Kneecapping the CFPB

Americans’ hard-earned money is at risk as President Trump and Elon Musk dismantle consumer safeguards enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

A Better Way Forward: A Conversation with Governor JB Pritzker

Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) about the path forward.

Thousands of Workers in Each Congressional District Could Lose Their Jobs to DOGE

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s wrecking ball to the federal workforce will have devastating impacts in congressional districts across the country.

DOGE attacks on Social Security officials could have dire consequences

In an op-ed published by MSNBC, Molly Weston Williamson explains how DOGE’s attacks on the Social Security Administration could harm everyday Americans who rely on the benefits they are owed.

Department of Education Staff Cuts Will Harm America’s Children and Schools

The recent decision to slash the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce nearly in half will leave it unable to carry out its responsibilities and statutory requirements under the law.

6 Ways Congress Can Advance Workforce Development

The 119th Congress should work to expand access to education and training opportunities and create good jobs for more American workers while meeting the needs of employers and the economy.

The LGBTQI+ Community Reported High Rates of Discrimination in 2024

New survey findings show that the U.S. LGBTQI+ community experiences high rates of discrimination, challenges in accessing health care, and more.

Cuts to the Social Security Administration Threaten Millions of Americans’ Retirement and Disability Benefits

As the Social Security Administration cuts thousands of jobs and closes offices, families’ livelihoods are on the line.

Medicaid Cuts Pushed by Republicans Could Devastate Access to Reproductive Care and Contraception

Kierra B. Jones writes in Teen Vogue about the harms of proposed Medicaid cuts.

How the Disability Community Can Fight Back in 2025

The disability community must utilize a three-prong strategy to actively fight back against the Trump administration and Congress.

Trump and DOGE’s 4 Paths To Breaking Spending Law

The Trump administration has begun illegally impounding funds, contravening the law and harming people.

Trump Is Sending the Economy in the Wrong Direction

Just when people could need more help amid worrying signs for the economy, Trump is gutting the social safety net and threatening retirement savings.

Trump Is Making America Greater for Billionaires, Not Workers

In an op-ed published by InsideSources, Karla Walter and David Madland break down the real economic impacts that Trump’s recent slew of executive orders could have on everyday Americans.

The Trump Administration Has Made 150 Million American Workers Newly Vulnerable to Workplace Discrimination

The Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission make more than 150 million American workers more susceptible to discrimination in their workplaces.

How Trump and Musk defanging the SEC puts your financial future at risk

In an op-ed published by Fortune, Alexandra Thornton explains why the Trump administration and DOGE's dismantling of the Securities and Exchange Commission puts Americans' financial futures at risk.

The GOP’s budget plan makes it hard to conceal its lies about Medicaid and SNAP

In an op-ed published by MSNBC, Bobby Kogan examines the GOP’s budget plan and argues that Republicans really are planning to cut federal Medicaid funding.

Industrial Policy Projects Boosted Harris and Hurt Trump in the 2024 Election, but Not by Much

A county-by-county analysis finds that additional IIJA, CHIPS and Science Act, and IRA investments were associated with higher vote share for Kamala Harris compared with Joe Biden and a lower vote share in 2024 for Trump compared with 2020—but the differences are slight.

The Trump Administration Has Made 36 Million Workers Newly Vulnerable to Discrimination and Harassment

The Trump administration has put more than 36 million private sector workers at risk of unchecked discrimination and harassment, with hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars now potentially pouring into discriminatory workplaces.

CAP Comments on Proposed Rule on Changes to National Apprenticeship System

The Center for American Progress submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration regarding the proposed rule to update regulations that address apprenticeship labor standards and the governance of the national apprenticeship system.

What To Read Before Donald Trump’s 2025 Address to Congress

The Trump administration’s implementation of the harmful Project 2025 agenda, the unconstitutional dismantling of critical federal agencies, and a forthcoming budget reconciliation battle will serve as key messaging pillars in the president’s address to Congress on March 4.

Congressional Republicans’ Budget Plans Would Force America’s Working Class To Foot the Bill for Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

New budget proposals envision a massive tax giveaway to those at the top financed by working-class Americans, including cuts to health care and food programs.

The Republican House Budget Resolution’s Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District

The Republican House budget resolution would cost congressional districts an average of $2 billion each and could eliminate coverage for 15.9 million people.

Understanding the Basics of Child Care in the United States

The United States needs real solutions at all levels of government, coupled with robust public investment, to build a child care and early learning system that works for children, families, educators, and providers.

Baby Bonds: A Worthwhile Step To Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap

Baby bonds build intergenerational wealth for households that often have not had access to economic opportunities, mobility, and security.

Why Is Trump Pursuing a 19th Century Trade and Economic Agenda in the 21st Century?

What is needed is an economic strategy designed around the realities of the modern world.

Frequently Asked Questions About the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education provides vital resources to schools, students, and families across the country to ensure everyone has access to a high-quality education.

What Will Happen to Your Student Loans if Trump Closes the Department of Education?

In an op-ed published by Teen Vogue, Stephanie Hall outlines what student loan borrowers can expect if the Trump administration successfully shutters the U.S. Department of Education.

Budget Committee Republicans Are Moving to Take Away Food and Health Care From Americans

Both the House and Senate budget committee Republican budget resolutions call for cuts targeting Medicaid and SNAP.

Head Start funding freeze: The panic was the point

In an op-ed published by the Wisconsin Examiner, Casey Peeks discusses Trump’s funding freeze and how it continues to affect Head Start programs across the country.

The Consequences of a Federal Funding Freeze in the States

The Trump administration’s proposed spending pause stirred confusion and uncertainty around government-funded services.

What State Lawmakers Could Do for Working-Class Americans

In an op-ed published by Governing, Karla Walter and David Madland describe tangible, proven strategies state policymakers can use to strengthen the power of the working class in their communities this year.

Proposed Legislation Threatens To Raise Costs for Student Borrowers and Dismantle Consumer Protections

As the 119th Congress takes shape, several proposed higher education policies would roll back key consumer protection regulations and make damaging changes to the financial aid system, hurting students, taxpayers, and colleges.

How the Trump Administration Could Leave Families Hungry: Potential Cuts to SNAP in 2025 and Beyond

Previous attempts to cut food assistance provide important clues for how Trump and the new Congress may attack families relying on SNAP.

4 Ways House Republicans’ Emerging Tax Package Would Put Billionaires Over Families

The emerging House Republican tax package would raise working- and middle-class families’ costs to shower enormous tax giveaways on the wealthiest Americans.

A 2024 Review of Child Care and Early Learning in the United States

Updated data on child care and early learning in the United States illustrate the urgent need for holistic public policymaking and robust investments that support young children, families, and early educators.

Trump’s Proposed Sweeping Spending Pause Would Harm Americans

The administration’s proposed action appears to be illegal and could halt funding for programs for child care, school lunches, and rental assistance.

The Biden Administration Handed Over a Strong Economy

Here are five reasons why the U.S. economy was at its best in decades, right before President Trump took office for his second term.

Counterpoint: Trump’s Empty Words Ignore the Heavy Price Americans Could Pay for His Presidency

Laura Rodriguez writes in InsideSources about Trump’s first presidential address and how his words on Inauguration Day betray the real impact his presidency could have on everyday Americans.

Disabled People Deserve to Make a Living Wage

In an op-ed published by DC Journal, Mia Ives-Rublee explains why an archaic U.S. Department of Labor program involving 14(c) certificates is dangerous and should be phased out.

The ERA Solidifies Women’s Rights in the Constitution as the 28th Amendment

The federal government has finally recognized the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ushering in a whole new era for gender parity in this country.

How To Evaluate Whether Trump Delivers for the Working Class?

President-elect Donald Trump won among working-class voters in 2024, but he must deliver on his promises to American workers.

Scott Bessent’s 3 Percent Deficit Target Would Require Massive Cuts to Anti-Poverty Programs and Middle-Class Tax Increases

Basic arithmetic suggests that the fiscal goals of President-elect Donald Trump’s treasury pick would slash health care and food security for working- and middle-class families while renewing tax cuts tilted to the wealthy.

CAP Comment on Student Debt Relief for Borrowers Experiencing Hardship

A comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Education argues that proposed regulations to deliver relief to student loan borrowers experiencing hardship are urgent and necessary.

8 Ways States Can Build Worker Power

State lawmakers should act to strengthen workers’ power in the economy.

The State of Paid Sick Time in the U.S. in 2025

This fact sheet provides an overview of paid sick time laws in the United States in 2025.

The State of Paid Family and Medical Leave in the U.S. in 2025

This fact sheet provides an overview of paid family and medical leave laws in the United States in 2025.

The State of Paid Time Off in the U.S. in 2025

This fact sheet provides an overview of general-use paid time off laws in the United States in 2025.

7 Ways State Lawmakers Can Build Public Sector Union Power

State lawmakers can adopt new policies to empower workers across the public sector to come together in strong unions, negotiate for fair pay and working conditions, and train the next generation for public service.

Too Many Airport Service Workers Earn Low Wages and Benefits

New CAP analysis shows many essential airport service workers earn less than $15 per hour. Here’s how policymakers can fix that.

States Seek To Improve Early Childhood Outcomes Through Consolidated Governance Structures

In recent years, a number of states have moved to consolidate disparately administered early childhood programs into a single agency to improve coordination of services and reduce administrative burdens.

Women demand “deeds not words”: Joe Biden must enshrine the ERA in the Constitution

In an op-ed published by Salon, Kate Kelly and celebrity co-author Alyssa Milano urge President Biden to finalize the Equal Rights Amendment during his last days in office.

States Prepare for Threats to Abortion Access by Stockpiling Mifepristone and Misoprostol

While states attempt to prevent future shortages of medication abortion drugs, stockpiling efforts are only a stopgap solution to abortion bans.

Trump’s Tariffs Would Raise Prices, Harm U.S. Workers, and Make It Harder To Solve Global Problems

Smart tariffs are an important part of industrial policy, but Trump’s tariff agenda is ill-conceived, self-defeating, and harmful to workers.

Republican Tax Legislators’ Potential Framework for Extending Trump’s Tax Cuts Is a Gimmick That Would Cost More Than Advertised

Using a current policy baseline to mask the cost of extending Trump’s tax cuts is a gimmick that cannot change the fact that doing so would increase the deficit.

Paid Leave Helps Americans Keep Their Health Insurance When They Need It Most

Through dedicated protections and continuation of income, workplace leave laws can allow workers to keep their health insurance coverage at crucial moments.

Progressive Principles for the 2025 Tax Debate: Having No Deal Is Better Than Having a Bad Deal

Facing the $4 trillion expiration of the Trump tax cuts next year, Congress must not greenlight a tax deal that will worsen income inequality and lose revenue.

Submitting Comments in Support of DOL Rule To Eliminate Section 14(c), Ending Subminimum Wages for Disabled People

This column provides background on Section 14(c) and guidance on how to submit a comment on the Biden administration’s proposed rule to eliminate subminimum wages for disabled people.

The Childcare Crisis Hampers Opportunity for America’s Families

In an op-ed published by Ms., Hailey Gibbs write about how a second Trump presidency could affect America’s child care crisis.

Industry Standards Boards Are Delivering Results for Workers, Employers, and Their Communities

State accomplishments demonstrate that boards work best when they have the necessary legal authority and resources.

Letter to Under Secretary James Kvaal Regarding the Incentive Compensation Ban

Along with other student, consumer, and labor advocates, the Center for American Progress sent a letter calling on the Department of Education to close a loophole in the federal ban on incentive compensation.

How Does Budget Reconciliation Work?

What are the rules of reconciliation? What is allowed in, and what is not?

Ensuring Digital Accessibility in K-12 Schools in a Technology-Driven Era

As technology advances and becomes more integral to K-12 education, school districts and policymakers must prioritize digital accessibility to enhance the educational experiences of students with disabilities and promote equity for all learners.

A Progressive Vision for Education in the 21st Century

This report encompasses key recommendations for strengthening the American education system across early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, and workforce development.

How Attorneys Can Support The ERA’s Implementation

In an op-ed published by Law360, Kate Kelly writes about the Equal Rights Amendment and how attorneys can help support it.

Workforce Development State Strategies: A 50-State Scan of Best Practices From Recent Action

States can strengthen their workforces through fostering registered apprenticeships, establishing career pathways, providing supportive services, addressing demand in critical industries, and other measures.

Child Care Expenses Push an Estimated 134,000 Families Into Poverty Each Year

Robust public investments can lift the weight of the child care affordability crisis off the safety net’s shoulders.

Leveraging Technology To Equip K-12 Students for Success

Explaining Young Workers’ Support for Unions

Young workers today feel like they're starting from behind. For them, unions may be the answer to getting ahead.

The Top 5 Ways Project 2025 Would Hurt Disabled People

Project 2025 would directly harm disabled people by removing basic civil rights protections and making it harder for these individuals to access necessary resources and services.