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
The diversity and complexity of rural voters were on display in the 2020 election, particularly in states such as Georgia and Arizona.
By Olugbenga Ajilore
ISSUE BRIEF
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
A modernized Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) would be a useful tool to effectively address climate resilience and environmental racism in low-income communities of color.
By Michela Zonta and Zoe Willingham
REPORT
The pandemic has strained small, independent providers in areas already suffering from care shortages.
By Aly Shakoor, Emily Gee, and Nicole Rapfogel
COLUMN
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
The November 3 results for Proposition 16 underscore the need for a clear message, adequate time and resources, and voter persuasion.
By Viviann Anguiano and Marshall Anthony Jr.
COLUMN
Progressive criminal justice policies fared well at the ballot box, with voters across the country approving critical reforms.
By Sarah Figgatt
COLUMN
Policymakers may have concerns that comprehensive police reform would increase violent crime, but evidence from 10 jurisdictions runs counter to such a relationship.
By Kenny Lo and Sarah Figgatt
COLUMN
A statewide survey of Colorado child care providers shows unsustainable business conditions and bolsters the need for federal child care relief.
By Rasheed Malik
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