States’ Essential Health Benefits Coverage Could Advance Maternal Health Equity
State benchmark plans vary in their coverage of necessary maternal health services.
New Jersey
Help Is Here Weekly Roundup: How the American Rescue Plan Benefits State and Local Governments
See CAP Action’s weekly roundup of local stories and social media highlights from elected officials across the United States on how the American Rescue Plan is benefiting their communities.
Building on the ACA: Administrative Actions to Improve Maternal Health
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.
STATEMENT: Proposed Constitutional Amendment Illustrates New Mexico’s Continued National Leadership in Prioritizing Early Childhood Education
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...
Fact Sheet: The Importance of Sports Participation for Transgender Youth
Transgender students deserve full and equal access to the benefits of school sports participation.
5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020
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.
RELEASE: New Report Outlines Federal and State Policy Agenda To Protect and Expand Abortion Rights
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...
How Biden’s Coronavirus Plan Funds and Supports State Vaccination Efforts
The president’s coronavirus plan will give states the guidance and resources they need to ramp up vaccine administration in efficient and equitable ways.
The State of Women’s Leadership—And How To Continue Changing the Face of U.S. Politics
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.
A How-To Guide for Strengthening State and Local Prevailing Wage Laws
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.
Raising the Bar
States and cities can set minimum compensation standards for private sector employees that reference prevailing wage and benefit rates.
How States Can Use TANF Funds To Help More Residents in Need
Even in the absence of congressional action, states can use TANF funds to support their residents who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State and Local Wins Illustrate National Demand for Early Learning Investments
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.
Progressive Criminal Justice Ballot Initiatives Won Big in the 2020 Election
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
Violent Crime Rates Declined in 10 Jurisdictions Following Comprehensive Police Reform
Policymakers may have concerns that comprehensive police reform would increase violent crime, but evidence from 10 jurisdictions runs counter to such a relationship.