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Building an Economy for All

Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.

A child holds hands with her father and mother, January 12, 2020. (Getty/The Washington Post/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)
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

134K

An estimated 134,000 families are pushed into poverty each year by child care expenses.

CAP, “Child Care Expenses Push an Estimated 134,000 Families Into Poverty Each Year” (2024).

A group of parents is seen outside of a day care center. Some of them are pushing strollers.
Child Care Expenses Push an Estimated 134,000 Families Into Poverty Each Year

85%

The number of businesses grew in 85 percent of counties between 2019 and 2023.

CAP, “Entrepreneurship, Startups, and Business Formation Are Booming Across the U.S.” (2024).

An
Entrepreneurship, Startups, and Business Formation Are Booming Across the U.S.

10%

An estimated 10 percent wage premium is experienced by union members compared with similar nonunion members.

CAP, “4 Ways Unions Make Our Economy and Democracy Stronger” (2024).

Members of the Boston Teachers Union and their supporters rally in support of contract measures.
4 Ways Unions Make Our Economy and Democracy Stronger

54%

Permanently extending the Trump tax cuts would increase the fiscal gap by 54 percent.

CAP, “Permanently Extending the Trump Tax Cuts Would Increase Upward Pressure on the Debt Ratio by More Than 50 Percent” (2024).

Capitol building and overcast sky
Permanently Extending the Trump Tax Cuts Would Increase Upward Pressure on the Debt Ratio by More Than 50 Percent

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Everybody Likes Unions Article
SEIU Home Care Workers cheer as they officially win the SEIU Home Care Workers union election to join SEIU Healthcare Michigan at Cadillac Place in Detroit.

Everybody Likes Unions

At a time when Americans cannot agree on many things, unions have achieved popularity across nearly every age group regardless of partisan affiliation or education.

Aurelia Glass

The Trump Administration’s Recent Special Education Layoffs Will Have Major Long-Term Impacts on Disabled Children and Students Article

The Trump Administration’s Recent Special Education Layoffs Will Have Major Long-Term Impacts on Disabled Children and Students

The Trump administration unlawful layoffs during the federal shutdown, in coordination with its policy changes and budget cuts, are intended to lead to closure of the Department of Education, leaving disabled children and students with fewer services and protections.

Mia Ives-Rublee, Casey Doherty

How Private Equity and the Financialization of Health Services Can Undermine Access to Sexual and Reproductive Care Report

How Private Equity and the Financialization of Health Services Can Undermine Access to Sexual and Reproductive Care

As firms increasingly invest in OB-GYN practices, fertility clinics, maternity care services, and other health care facilities, policymakers must regulate private equity activity and strengthen oversight of corporate control of health care to preserve Americans’ access to care.

Kierra B. Jones

The Trump Administration’s Latest Staffing Cuts at the Department of Education Threaten Children’s Success Across the Country Article
A U.S. Department of Education employee leaves the building with their belongings.

The Trump Administration’s Latest Staffing Cuts at the Department of Education Threaten Children’s Success Across the Country

Cuts to staff at the Department of Education threaten the federal government’s long-term ability to ensure equal access to education for all, including children with disabilities.

Paige Shoemaker DeMio, Weadé James

The Fight To Unionize Starbucks by the Numbers Article
A Starbucks sign is reflected in the window as Starbucks employees, union members and supporters strike outside of a Starbucks store.

The Fight To Unionize Starbucks by the Numbers

Thousands of unionized Starbucks workers across the country are ramping up pressure on the corporation to finalize a first contract that could boost take home pay, hours, benefits, and working conditions.

Karla Walter, David Madland

How Trump Violated the Law to Pay the Military In the News

How Trump Violated the Law to Pay the Military

Bobby Kogan writes in Lawfare about how President Trump broke federal budget law in order to pay the military during the government shutdown.

Lawfare

Bobby Kogan

Trump’s Take Feature

Trump’s Take

Cash and gifts received by Trump since he was elected to his second term.

Center for American Progress

How Changes to Fourth-Grade Reading Standards and Research-Backed Approaches Can Improve Reading Achievement Report
Teacher sitting at classroom table with students

How Changes to Fourth-Grade Reading Standards and Research-Backed Approaches Can Improve Reading Achievement

Four states—Alabama, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Mississippi—have shown that adopting more rigorous literacy standards and scientific approaches to reading instruction can help reverse the decline in reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Tania Otero Martinez, Weadé James

Child Care Professionals Are on the Front Lines as Climate Change Risks Children’s Health and Development Report
A teacher prepares a classroom at Woodbury Village Preschool that sustained smoke damage during the Eaton fire in Altadena, California

Child Care Professionals Are on the Front Lines as Climate Change Risks Children’s Health and Development

Amid a changing climate and federal rollbacks to disaster relief and preparedness, early educators face an increasingly untenable child care landscape that will require state and local action.

Hailey Gibbs, Nadia Gronkowski, Hester Paul, 2 More Joan Lombardi, Ph.D., Nsedu Obot Witherspoon

Trump Takes Aim at Minimum Wage In the News

Trump Takes Aim at Minimum Wage

In an op-ed for The Progressive, Aurelia Glass explains how Trump’s economic policy agenda will make life harder for working families.

The Progressive

Aurelia Glass

The State of Online Higher Education in 2025 Past Event

The State of Online Higher Education in 2025

Join the Center for American Progress to discuss the current challenges in monitoring and regulating online higher education.

Online

Australian Sectoral Bargaining Reforms Show Early Promise Article
Two workers on a building site

Australian Sectoral Bargaining Reforms Show Early Promise

Recently adopted labor reforms in Australia have helped increase collective bargaining coverage, union membership, and wage growth and may serve as a model for pro-labor advocates in the United States.

David Madland

A multilateral approach to climate and trade policy could revolutionize efforts to decarbonize heavy industries and counter non market overcapacity In the News

A multilateral approach to climate and trade policy could revolutionize efforts to decarbonize heavy industries and counter non market overcapacity

In an op-ed published by Renewal, Ryan Mulholland and Mike Williams argue in favor of cooperative action on challenges like climate change.

Renewal: A Journal of Social Democracy

Ryan Mulholland, Mike Williams

Good Jobs for Government Workers Improve Public Services Report
A bus driver steers into the Forest Hills Station in Boston.

Good Jobs for Government Workers Improve Public Services

By maintaining fair working conditions for government workers, state and local policymakers can increase productivity, improve public outcomes, support stable revenues, and attract the next generation of public servants.

Karla Walter, Sachin Shiva

New Trump Administration Policies Will Decrease Average Incomes for All Americans Except the Top 1 Percent Article
U.S. President Donald Trump greets guests on the South Lawn of the White House

New Trump Administration Policies Will Decrease Average Incomes for All Americans Except the Top 1 Percent

New policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, paired with the Trump administration’s tariffs, will leave the bottom 99 percent of Americans with less after-tax-and-transfer income by 2027, while the top 1 percent benefit—per combined scores from nonpartisan analysts.

Corey Husak

Bipartisan Momentum Is Growing for Automatic Record Sealing Through the Clean Slate and Fresh Start Acts Article
The Capitol Building at sunset

Bipartisan Momentum Is Growing for Automatic Record Sealing Through the Clean Slate and Fresh Start Acts

Even after serving their time, millions of Americans carry an arrest or conviction record that makes it hard for them to access a second chance to rebuild their lives. Congress should pass automatic record-sealing legislation to unlock second chances, boost economic mobility, and improve public safety.

Akua Amaning

Why a judge shut down Trump’s latest budget stunt In the News

Why a judge shut down Trump’s latest budget stunt

In an op-ed published by MSNBC, Bobby Kogan explains how the president is trying to use a “pocket rescission” to ignore parts of spending laws that he already signed off on.

MSNBC

Bobby Kogan

Career and Technical Education in Pennsylvania Past Event
A student speaking to Randi Weingarten, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Career and Technical Education in Pennsylvania

The Center for American Progress, in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers, hosted an event to highlight career and technical education programs in the Philadelphia region and discuss policy opportunities to expand these programs elsewhere.

The Trump Administration Is Quietly Gutting Minimum Wage Protections for Millions of Workers Article
A group of workers is seen walking along a brick pathway.

The Trump Administration Is Quietly Gutting Minimum Wage Protections for Millions of Workers

The administration has already cut minimum wage protections for hundreds of thousands of federal contract workers and halted plans to require companies to pay disabled workers at least $7.25 per hour; this Labor Day, it will advance plans to eliminate federal minimum wage protections for millions of child care and home care providers.

Aurelia Glass

Fighting for the American Dream Past Event

Fighting for the American Dream

Creating and safeguarding an inclusive economy for the Black middle class.

Edgartown, MA

State Fact Sheets: How the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans Are Increasing Costs for American Families Fact Sheet
The Capitol dome reflected in water on pavement

State Fact Sheets: How the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans Are Increasing Costs for American Families

This series of fact sheets provides insights into how the OBBBA and the administration’s policies will increase the costs of health care, food, energy, and borrowing in each state in the near future.

Amina Khalique, Kennedy Andara, Natalie Baker, 2 More Sara Partridge, Kyle Ross

Politicians Don’t Understand Disability In the News

Politicians Don’t Understand Disability

In an op-ed published by Inside Sources, Mia Ives-Rublee argues that Congress should use the inclusive framing provided by the Americans with Disability Act to boost support for this growing community of Americans.

Inside Sources

Mia Ives-Rublee

What Is a Pocket Rescission? Article
A view of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on July 3, 2025.

What Is a Pocket Rescission?

Understanding President Donald Trump and Russ Vought’s new plan to illegally stop spending.

Bobby Kogan

Promising Models To Support and Expand the Early Childhood Educator Workforce Report
Young children sitting on bench

Promising Models To Support and Expand the Early Childhood Educator Workforce

Early childhood educators do critical work in educating the nation’s youngest learners. Recruiting, retaining, and expanding the workforce through investments in their compensation and benefits must be prioritized.

Erin Grant

In Conversation: The 2024 LGBTQI+ Community Survey Past Event

In Conversation: The 2024 LGBTQI+ Community Survey

Join CAP for a panel and discussion about new insights into LGBTQI+ experiences.

Center for American Progress Online via Zoom

The Trump Administration’s War on Disability Report
U.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order.

The Trump Administration’s War on Disability

Executive actions, budget cuts, layoffs, and legislation—all enacted in the Trump administration’s first six months—have curtailed disability rights and services, including access to Medicaid and the right to free, appropriate public education.

Mia Ives-Rublee, Casey Doherty

By cutting science, the Defense Department is eating its seed corn In the News

By cutting science, the Defense Department is eating its seed corn

In an op-ed published by Defense News, Frank Kendall warns that the Trump administration's cuts to science and research funding harm U.S. national security by giving China a solid edge on research and technology development.

Defense News

Frank Kendall

Is This What Winning Looks Like? Report

Is This What Winning Looks Like?

The Trump administration’s brazen unilateral trade war has put the future of America’s trade partnerships in doubt, made a recession more likely, and hurt American workers and families.

Ryan Mulholland

Fact Sheet: What To Know About the Child Care for Working Families Act Fact Sheet
A parent picks up his kids at a child care center.

Fact Sheet: What To Know About the Child Care for Working Families Act

The Child Care for Working Families Act would make child care more accessible and affordable, promote high-quality care options, and support child care workers.

The Early Childhood Policy Team

The Full Cost of Attendance: Addressing Housing, Food, and Other Barriers to Community College Student Success Report
Students walk past the library at East Los Angeles College on September 27, 2022, Los Angeles, California.

The Full Cost of Attendance: Addressing Housing, Food, and Other Barriers to Community College Student Success

Although community colleges offer low tuition, students still face steep costs for essentials such as housing, food, transportation, child care, and supplies—barriers that policymakers must address to make college truly affordable.

Veronica Goodman, Madison Weiss, Sara Partridge

10 Egregious Things You May Not Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Article
Members of the House walk up the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

10 Egregious Things You May Not Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Congressional Republicans’ radical budget and tax bill includes several less-known provisions that will increase costs, fuel the Trump administration’s overreach, and waste taxpayer dollars.

Colin Seeberger, Andrea Ducas, Natasha Murphy, 9 More Kierra B. Jones, Andrés Argüello, Lily Roberts, Kyle Ross, Michael Sozan, Silva Mathema, Sara Partridge, Paige Shoemaker DeMio, Corey Husak

The Top 5 Ways the Congressional Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation Bill Will Harm Disabled Students Report
Students are seen eating lunch.

The Top 5 Ways the Congressional Republicans’ Budget Reconciliation Bill Will Harm Disabled Students

Disabled students will be disproportionately hurt by the Republican budget reconciliation bill, losing access to essential services and resources that support their education and help them become contributing members of their communities.

Mia Ives-Rublee, Weadé James

8 Ways the Senate Budget Bill Is More Extreme Than the House-Passed Big, ‘Beautiful’ Bill Article
The U.S. Capitol Building seen at dusk.

8 Ways the Senate Budget Bill Is More Extreme Than the House-Passed Big, ‘Beautiful’ Bill

Many have assumed that the House of Representatives’ One Big, Beautiful Bill Act would be moderated by Senate counterparts. However, the Senate’s proposed cuts to health care and food assistance—along with the potential sell-off of public lands and changes to make it easier to buy guns—are more extreme.

Lily Roberts, Natasha Murphy, Kyle Ross, 2 More Drew McConville, Nick Wilson

Crushing the Commonwealth: Virginians Share How the Trump Administration’s Policies Are Hurting Them, Their Livelihoods, and the Virginia Economy Past Event

Crushing the Commonwealth: Virginians Share How the Trump Administration’s Policies Are Hurting Them, Their Livelihoods, and the Virginia Economy

Please join the Center for American Progress for the next in a series of virtual events highlighting the impact that DOGE's cuts are having on the lives of everyday Americans; this event will focus on the Trump administration's impacts on Virginia.

Online only

Despite Musk’s Departure, Trump’s War Against Unions and Workers Will Continue Article
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk.

Despite Musk’s Departure, Trump’s War Against Unions and Workers Will Continue

While DOGE made headlines for firing tens of thousands of federal workers, Elon Musk's departure will not slow down the Trump administration’s efforts to end collective bargaining for more than 1 million workers, slash wage protections for hundreds of thousands, and muzzle a key agency protecting organizing rights.

Aurelia Glass

The 2024 LGBTQI+ Wage Gap Article
A biker rides along “Rainbow Road,” a painted street mural in Washington, D.C.

The 2024 LGBTQI+ Wage Gap

In recognition of LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day, new analysis from the Center for American Progress’ LGBTQI+ Community Survey shows that in 2024, LGBTQI+ households made just 85 cents for every dollar earned by non-LGBTQI+ households, equaling about $12,600 less per year.

Sara Estep, Haley Norris

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Would Ravage Regions Won by Donald Trump While Giving Tax Breaks to the Rich Article
The U.S. Capitol is seen at sunset.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Would Ravage Regions Won by Donald Trump While Giving Tax Breaks to the Rich

Cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and clean energy tax credits would devastate people in communities that voted for President Donald Trump.

Kierra B. Jones, Andrea Ducas, Kyle Ross, 6 More Lily Roberts, Lucero Marquez, Jamie Friedman, Colin Seeberger, Kennedy Andara, Andrés Argüello

Governors Should Fight for an Economic Agenda To Improve the Lives of Working-Class Residents Report
Workers install solar panels.

Governors Should Fight for an Economic Agenda To Improve the Lives of Working-Class Residents

By advancing policies to build power and raise the wages of working-class families, governors can improve economic opportunity for all state residents and illustrate a strong contrast with the Trump administration, which is abandoning its commitments to working people.

Karla Walter

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Has Helped Millions of Americans Article
Close-up of CFPB logo on glass

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Has Helped Millions of Americans

Since 2011, the CFPB has defended Americans’ economic security, handling complaints to ensure customers are treated fairly by banks and other corporations.

Sachin Shiva, Lilith Fellowes-Granda

Sisters in Survival: Stories of the Trump Administration’s Assault on Women’s Rights, Lives, and Liberties Past Event

Sisters in Survival: Stories of the Trump Administration’s Assault on Women’s Rights, Lives, and Liberties

Please join the Center for American Progress for the next in a series of virtual events highlighting the impact that DOGE’s cuts are having on the lives of everyday Americans; this event will feature the stories of American women from across industries, states, and experiences as they navigate the fallout of the Trump administration’s actions, choices, appointments, and policies that are harming women.

Online only

5 Ways Community Colleges Drive Workforce Development Report
A student stands in the shade at East Los Angeles College.

5 Ways Community Colleges Drive Workforce Development

Community colleges play a vital role in workforce development by offering accessible education, aligning programs with industry needs, providing upskilling opportunities, fostering local partnerships, and supporting lifelong learning for diverse populations.

Madison Weiss

State Estimates of Increases in Homeowner and Small-Business Borrowing Costs Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Article
The sun sets behind the U.S. Capitol.

State Estimates of Increases in Homeowner and Small-Business Borrowing Costs Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The “big, beautiful bill” passed by House Republicans in reconciliation is expected to significantly increase U.S. government debt, driving up interest rates for borrowers—including families taking out a mortgage or people growing their own businesses.

Natalie Baker, Sara Estep

The Devastating Harms of House Republicans’ Big, ‘Beautiful’ Bill by State and Congressional District Article
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) arrives to a House Rules Committee meeting on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act at the U.S. Capitol.

The Devastating Harms of House Republicans’ Big, ‘Beautiful’ Bill by State and Congressional District

Estimates for the increase in number of uninsured people by 2034; how many people could lose some or all SNAP benefits; and the number of jobs at risk due to elimination of clean energy tax credits under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act.

Colin Seeberger, Andrea Ducas, Lily Roberts, 3 More Shannon Baker-Branstetter, Kennedy Andara, Kyle Ross

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