The United States’ maternal health crisis demands federal and state action to improve coverage, the delivery of care, and pregnancy outcomes. The cost of inaction will almost certainly be dire.
By Jamille Fields Allsbrook and Osub Ahmed
ISSUE BRIEF
Washington, D.C. — Last year, New Mexico established the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), making it the fourth state in the country to create a state agency dedicated to the education and care of young children. Last week, the New Mexico Legislature approved a proposed amendment to the state's constitution that would create a...
Transgender students deserve full and equal access to the benefits of school sports participation.
By Shoshana K. Goldberg and Theo Santos
FACT SHEET
While more must be done to shrink the footprint of the U.S. criminal justice system, the national dialogue around reform during summer 2020 has inspired transformative ideas and tangible policies that can be built on moving forward.
By Kenny Lo, Sarah Figgatt, Betsy Pearl, and Chelsea Parsons
COLUMN
Washington, D.C. — Increasingly over the past several years, states have signed hundreds of abortion bans and restrictions into law, undermining abortion rights and exacerbating inequities in access to abortion care. Yet a new administration and Congress, who were elected to office campaigning in support of abortion rights, have the opportunity to reverse this trend. Today, the Women's...
The president’s coronavirus plan will give states the guidance and resources they need to ramp up vaccine administration in efficient and equitable ways.
By Nicole Rapfogel
COLUMN
Women—particularly women of color—continue to make noteworthy gains at all levels of government, but bold policies and structural changes are still needed to reach gender parity in U.S. politics.
By Robin Bleiweis and Shilpa Phadke
COLUMN
This report provides a road map for state and local policymakers working to create or strengthen prevailing wage laws, explains core features of prevailing wage legislation, and lifts up existing best practices from around the county.
By Karla Walter, Malkie Wall, and Alex Rowell
REPORT
States and cities can set minimum compensation standards for private sector employees that reference prevailing wage and benefit rates.
By David Madland, Malkie Wall, and Alex Rowell
ISSUE BRIEF
Even in the absence of congressional action, states can use TANF funds to support their residents who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By Justin Schweitzer
FACT SHEET
Communities across the country have passed state and local ballot measures to increase public funding for early childhood services, demonstrating a path forward for federal action in 2021.
By MK Falgout and Laura Dallas McSorley
COLUMN
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
By Sarah Figgatt
COLUMN
Candidates from states with existing climate commitments won in the 2020 election and will bring lessons from this state-level climate action to Washington.
By Sally Hardin, Sam Ricketts, and Aimee Barnes
COLUMN
Low-income residents in nonexpansion states face limited options for health coverage.
By Tarun Ramesh, Emily Gee, and Maura Calsyn
COLUMN
State and local elected officials are the key to ensuring that significant reforms are made to the criminal justice system.
By Akua Amaning
FACT SHEET