We are focused on building an inclusive economy by expanding worker power, investing in families, and advancing a social compact that encourages sustainable and equitable growth.
A subway train pulls into the Flushing Avenue station in Brooklyn on February 2, 2019, in New York City. (Getty/Gary Hershorn)
What We're Doing
Investing in people
We seek to eliminate poverty and ensure every American, regardless of their ZIP code, can live a life of dignity by developing, protecting, and expanding vital economic security policies and safety net programs.
Achieving sustainable growth
We work to address structural issues in the economy by promoting bold public investments, progressive tax reforms that require the wealthy to pay their fair share, and sound fiscal policies to support broad-based economic growth.
Expanding worker power
We work to ensure executive actions and legislation, promote high-quality jobs, increase worker power, and raise standards for government contract workers. As part of this effort, we are pushing for a federal $15 minimum wage and strengthening workers’ voices in their workplace.
Championing a new social compact
We need a new social compact with business that reimagines their obligations to society on issues such as environmental and climate matters, economic opportunity for workers, paying their fair share in taxes, and racial equality in the pursuit of more sustainable, innovative growth.
Revolutionizing the Workplace: Why Long COVID and the Increase of Disabled Workers Require a New Approach
Using new data from the U.S. Census Bureau to examine the impacts of long COVID on the labor market, this report recommends that employers, unions, and policymakers create better workplaces for disabled workers and all workers.
The Latest Poverty, Income, and Food Insecurity Data Reveal Continuing Racial Disparities
Federal policies implemented in 2021 led to notable progress in the fight against poverty, but data show that persistent economic disparities, by both gender and race and ethnicity, will only be closed through continued attention and investments.
CAP’s Comment on the Federal Insurance Office’s Proposed Call for Climate-Related Financial Risk Data
The Center for American Progress submitted a comment letter to the Federal Insurance Office regarding its proposed nationwide collection of climate-related financial risk data from insurers.
Reforming the TIFIA Loan Program To Advance National Policy Goals
Major transportation projects should be judged on their long-term social, environmental, and economic consequences—not just their ability to generate revenue to meet debt obligations.
Promise of Manufacturing and Innovation Law Is Increasingly Apparent
Colin Seeberger explains how the CHIPS and Science Act is building a stronger and safer economy for all Americans by creating incentives for increasing American manufacturing and supporting scientific research.
America’s Broken Criminal Legal System Contributes to Wealth Inequality
New CAP analysis highlights how the nation’s failed experiment with mass incarceration and overcriminalization strips wealth from families and widens the racial wealth gap.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Can Support Racial Equity in Homeownership and Environmental Justice Efforts
The government-sponsored enterprises are in a unique position to reduce the racial homeownership gap while simultaneously addressing climate change-related risks and systemic environmental racism.
Now is the Time for State and Local Investments in Apprenticeships
Marina Zhavoronkova writes about how state and local governments can use tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act to support registered apprenticeships.
The NLRB Protects Workers’ Right To Organize, Yet Remains Underfunded
Under the Biden administration, the National Labor Relations Board is striving to protect workers' right to form a union and collectively bargain, but the agency remains underfunded and understaffed.
