Middle-Class Economics

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Capping Rental Application Fees at $5 Report
Apartments for rent are seen in the East Village in New York City on May 11, 2026.

Capping Rental Application Fees at $5

With rents stuck high, a Center for American Progress proposal to cap application fees would provide renters with immediate relief.

Chad Maisel

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event

2026 CAP IDEAS Conference

The Center for American Progress’ signature event, now celebrating its 15th year, where CAP convenes the big thinkers and doers on the center-left for a day of not only identifying the problems facing Americans, but also sharing solutions to improve the lives of all Americans.

Online via Zoom

Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families Article
Prospective homebuyers leave a property.

Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families

As families struggle to make ends meet amid rising costs, the Center for American Progress’ affordability agenda would save a typical family $4,133 per year across housing, health care, utility bills, and groceries.

Emily Gee, Kennedy Andara

Hoja informativa: Un plan para hacer la electricidad más asequible en EE. UU. Hoja informativa

Hoja informativa: Un plan para hacer la electricidad más asequible en EE. UU.

El plan de CAP ahorraría a los hogares más de $900 en costos de energía durante cuatro años, a la vez que construiría un mejor sistema energético que ahorraría a las familias estadounidenses miles de millones en los años venideros.

Proposed Electric Vehicle Fees Would Only Make Life Less Affordable for Americans Article
An electric vehicle charges in Monrovia, California.

Proposed Electric Vehicle Fees Would Only Make Life Less Affordable for Americans

Electric vehicles help shield Americans from volatile gas prices and are already cheaper to maintain and operate than gas-powered cars; yet some members of Congress are seeking to make this technology more expensive through the upcoming surface transportation bill.

Leo Banks

6 Policies Proved To Increase Union Membership Report

6 Policies Proved To Increase Union Membership

Evidence shows that more workers join unions when policies support workplace organizing, access, sectoral bargaining, the Ghent system, and dues paying, and provide funding.

David Madland

Immigrants Make the Labor Market Great Article
Two immigrant workers get ready for their day.

Immigrants Make the Labor Market Great

CAP analysis of the February 2026 employment report shows that President Trump’s promises to native-born workers have yet to materialize while reduced immigration is poised to have a negative effect overall on employment and wages in the long run.

Sara Estep, Kennedy Andara

Hoja informativa: Sin sorpresas en el supermercado: Un plan para que los alimentos sean asequibles Hoja informativa
People shop at a grocery store in Brooklyn.

Hoja informativa: Sin sorpresas en el supermercado: Un plan para que los alimentos sean asequibles

El plan de CAP se centraría en iniciativas federales para reducir los precios en el supermercado y permitir que los salarios se pongan al día con el aumento del precio de los alimentos, lo que le ahorraría a una familia típica de cuatro personas un promedio de $134 al año.

Executive Summary: Stopping Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store: A Plan To Make Food Affordable Fact Sheet
People shop at a grocery store in Brooklyn.

Executive Summary: Stopping Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store: A Plan To Make Food Affordable

CAP’s plan would focus on federal efforts to lower grocery costs and allow wages to catch up with the rising cost of food—saving the typical family of four an average of $134 annually.

Cost-of-living concerns will be the major issue of 2026 In the News

Cost-of-living concerns will be the major issue of 2026

Natalie Baker joined a symposium for NOTUS, in which she argues that the rising cost of living will be the defining issue of 2026.

NOTUS

Natalie Baker

Trump’s Attack on Child Care Funding Undermines Early Educators, Shortchanges Children, and Increases Costs for Families Article

Trump’s Attack on Child Care Funding Undermines Early Educators, Shortchanges Children, and Increases Costs for Families

The Trump administration leveraged allegations of fraud in Minnesota in an attempt to freeze essential child care funding, a move that reflects a dangerous, broader posture toward the early childhood community that threatens educators, parents, and children.

Hailey Gibbs, Casey Peeks

A New Economic Patriotism: A Conversation With Rep. Ro Khanna Past Event
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) at the U.S. Capitol on December 4, 2024, Washington, D.C. (Getty/Tom Williams)

A New Economic Patriotism: A Conversation With Rep. Ro Khanna

Please join the Center for American Progress for a conversation with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) as part of the “What's Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.

Center for American Progress and online via Zoom

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Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice
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Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.

Restoring Social Trust in Democracy
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Restoring Social Trust in Democracy

Democracy is under attack at home and abroad. We must act to ensure it is accessible to all, accountable, and can serve as a force of good.

Building an Economy for All
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Building an Economy for All

Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans benefit from growth.

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