Strategies To Build Worker Power in Maine
Maine policymakers can improve the state’s economy and democracy by enacting these 10 recommendations to build worker power.
State and Local Policy
The Center for American Progress constantly strives to find meaningful solutions and pathways to promote progressive policy advancement at the state and local level. Our work focuses on locally driven solutions as well as the vast policy and communications expertise in the organization. We hope this research and data can help facilitate thoughtful debate among state and local leaders so that we can bring about progressive change in an ever-changing political landscape.
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.
The Role of Rural Communities of Color in the 2020 Election
The diversity and complexity of rural voters were on display in the 2020 election, particularly in states such as Georgia and Arizona.
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.
A CRA To Meet the Challenge of Climate Change
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.
Health Care Providers in Georgia’s Low-Income Communities Need Financial Relief
The pandemic has strained small, independent providers in areas already suffering from care shortages.
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.
California Is Not a Bellwether on Affirmative Action
The November 3 results for Proposition 16 underscore the need for a clear message, adequate time and resources, and voter persuasion.
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.
With Decreased Enrollment and Higher Operating Costs, Child Care Is Hit Hard Amid COVID-19
A statewide survey of Colorado child care providers shows unsustainable business conditions and bolsters the need for federal child care relief.
State Climate Leadership Is Coming to the Nation’s Capital in 2021
Candidates from states with existing climate commitments won in the 2020 election and will bring lessons from this state-level climate action to Washington.
The Pandemic and Economic Crisis Are Wake-Up Call for State Medicaid Expansion
Low-income residents in nonexpansion states face limited options for health coverage.