We work to develop, protect, and expand vital policies that alleviate hardship and ensure economic stability for people nationwide.
A father hugs his son in the family RV, October 2020, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Getty/John Moore)
What We're Doing
Ensure an equitable recovery from COVID-19
The best opportunity we have to break the cycle of poverty is to make sure no one gets left behind now. To avoid a repeat of the slow recovery seen after the Great Recession, we are building support for race-conscious investments and policies that center those most affected by the pandemic.
Modernize and repair the safety net
The safety net underpins our economy, but it must provide sufficient and accessible support. We are working on ideas to address harsh restrictions in cash assistance programs while building pathways to broader access to housing, food, and other crucial supports at the state and federal level.
Reduce child poverty
The expanded child tax credit has already seen great success in reducing hardship among families with children in 2021, but we will fight to make it permanent alongside other policies to support families and children.
How Weak Safety Net Policies Exacerbate Regional and Racial Inequality
While all low-income individuals and families, particularly those of color, struggle to avoid falling into poverty, some receive less support solely because of where they live.
CAP’s Poverty to Prosperity team works with nonpartisan organizations and coalitions throughout the poverty policy space by coordinating research and advocacy efforts to sway public opinion and influence legislation that would help those in need. Some of the team’s closest partners are listed below.
Ending the subminimum wage for tipped workers would benefit everyone
As voters in Portland, Maine, and Washington, D.C., prepare to head to the ballot box to decide whether to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers, Justin Schweitzer explains why all workers—tipped and untipped—should be paid at least the state minimum wage.
The Wage Gap Persists—But Recent Reforms Are Making a Difference
Rose Khattar and Lauren Hoffman discuss how, in addition to recent reforms such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the student loan relief plan, more measures are necessary to finally close the pay gap that continues to limit economic opportunity for many women.
Opinion: Hispanic and Latino workers deserve equal economic opportunity, not a return to the pre-pandemic status quo
Rose Khattar and Jessica Vela discuss how equitable implementation of the Biden administration's major economic accomplishments, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, can help better support Hispanic and Latino workers.
Hurricane Fiona: 4 Ways the Federal Government Can Help Puerto Rico Rebuild Better
Hurricane Fiona devastated Puerto Rico, reversing much of the progress made since Hurricane Maria in 2017; yet equitable, sustainable rebuilding and recovery is possible with key federal investments.
Expanding the Safety Net During a Recession Prevents Worsening Economic Pain
New U.S. Census Bureau data show how more accessible and larger boosts to safety net programs kept poverty low during the COVID-19 recession, preventing a deeper economic crisis and spurring a faster economy recovery.
In the wealthiest country in the world, no one should be hungry
Ahead of the upcoming White House Conference on Hunger, Health, and Nutrition, Arohi Pathak urges lawmakers to take meaningful action to address food insecurity in the United States.
The Child Care Sector Will Continue To Struggle Hiring Staff Unless It Creates Good Jobs
Child care sites across the country are facing immense challenges hiring and retaining staff amid a shortage of good jobs, leaving parents struggling to find care and placing increasing stress on the workers that remain.
Wages and Employment Do Not Have To Decline To Bring Down Inflation
To lower inflation, policymakers must continue using fiscal policy to focus support to struggling households, improve the economy’s productive capacity, create more resilient supply chains, and limit the profiteering of corporations.
Canceling at Least $10,000 of Student Loan Debt Will Help Lower the Cost of Living
Canceling student loans offers targeted relief crucial to helping households improve their financial security—it is not a decisive factor in battling inflation.
