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
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
As the child care market struggles to survive the impact of the pandemic, states can implement strategies to improve child care so that it better meets the needs of working families, children, educators, and employers.
By Simon Workman and Katie Hamm
ISSUE BRIEF
Several states stand out for their plans to spend COVID-19 emergency relief aid on supporting vulnerable students and institutions.
By Bradley D. Custer
COLUMN
A lot is at stake in the 2020 elections—and voter turnout among Americans with disabilities must be supported before and after the polls close.
By Valerie Novack
COLUMN
Pro-worker advocates must advance strategies and policies that will ensure that all climate jobs are high-quality union jobs that make the economy more equitable.
By David Madland and Terry Meginniss
ISSUE BRIEF
Tackling climate change will require state and local action alongside federal policy change. State and local policymakers can ensure that good jobs are created in the new clean economy by focusing on five proven job-quality strategies.
By David Madland and Terry Meginniss
FACT SHEET
This election, forward-looking businesses can provide an essential service to their communities—preserving the right to vote while also protecting their stakeholders from COVID-19.
By Alex Tausanovitch, Sarah Bonk, and Richard Eidlin
ISSUE BRIEF
Despite wins in the courts, abortion rights remain under attack and out of reach for many in the United States.
By Nora Ellmann
ISSUE BRIEF