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Brenda Wright, Director of Democracy Program at Demos, has posted some insights at the American Constitution Society's blog on the big campaign finance case, Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, to be argued before the Supreme Court tomorrow. Here's her take...
In the media
Daphne Eviatar
Arguments Heard Today Suggest Precedents Limiting Corporate Political Influence Under Threat Washington, DC — Today's argument in Citizens United v. FEC suggests that the Roberts Court is poised to sweep aside century-old restraints on corporate domination of the political marketplace — unless the
Press release/statement
Americans have put themselves on a budget. In the first quarter of 2009, the personal savings rate hit to 5.2 percent. And in a recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey, 57 percent of Americans said they're spending less than a year ago. That moderation could outlast the recession, a
In the media
Kimberly Palmer
As the recession picked up steam, credit cards have become a lifeline for some to pay for groceries, utilities, even mortgage or rent payments. More than one-third of low- and middle-income households used credit cards to cover basic living expenses in five of the past 12 months, according to a
In the media
Jeff Harrington
Why the United States Should Follow Australia's Lead
In the media
Lew Daly
High Court Threatening to Overturn Key Precedents Protecting Citizens Against Corporate Control of Politics
Press release/statement
And in more credit card news, national research and policy firm Demos found that the average credit card debt of low- to middle-income indebted households was $9,827. Credit card debt has quadrupled since 1989, the firm found in its second national survey of households whose incomes fell between 50
In the media
Nancy Trejos
Even before the downturn, millions of households were experiencing difficulties meeting the most basic expenses. Now, as families experience declining home values and tightened credit markets, many are falling behind on their mortgage and credit card payments.
Research
Tamara Draut
Jose Garcia
People age 65 and up carried an average of $10,235 credit card debt in 2008, according to a study released Tuesday by Demos, a public policy research group. That's an increase of 26% since the organization's last survey of low- and middle-income borrowers in 2005. The average debt for all borrowers
In the media
Ismat Sarah Mangla
Credit card debt continues to threaten the financial stability of many low- and middle-income families in the United States, hampering their ability to save and move up the economic ladder. When shortfalls arise, credit has been the only available safety net to help these families make ends meet. In
Policy Briefs
Jose Garcia