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From cutting-edge policy research to illuminating analysis, we bring a racial equity lens to the most pressing issues facing our country. For our latest blog posts and media updates, visit our Media page.

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The U.S. Supreme Court building against a blue sky, overlaid with a map of Louisiana and a chain of "I Voted" sticker footprints being cut by scissors on either side

Voting Rights and Representation in the Aftermath of Louisiana v. Callais

This brief examines what the Supreme Court's Callais decision means for communities of color, what has already changed in its wake, and what reforms — from state voting rights acts to proportional representation — can meet this moment.

Policy Briefs
Angelo Ancheta
Cover of 'Solving the Affordability Crisis' by People's Action and Dēmos: a rising staircase of icons representing groceries, health care, energy, housing, and child care, each topped with dollar bills."

Solving the Affordability Crisis

The affordability crisis is the result of policy choices — and different choices can reverse it. This report from Dēmos and People's Action traces why housing, utilities, food, health care, and child care have become unaffordable, and five structural solutions for building a people-powered, racially just economy.

Policy Briefs
Demos
People's Action
A Black care worker in scrubs reviews a clipboard with an older Black woman seated on a couch. In the background, composite images show caregivers working with children and supporting elderly adults, overlaid with illustrated icons representing justice, economic opportunity, and care.

Empowering Care Workers: The Key to a Better Care Economy

Good care jobs are the foundation of a good care economy. Empowering care workers through better pay, stronger protections, and collective voice would improve care quality, reduce workforce shortages, and advance racial and economic equity.

Policy Briefs
Nick Wertsch

Testimony to the New York Workforce Development Joint Budget Hearing on Paid Leave

Thank you, Members of the Workforce Development Joint Budget Hearing, for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of a strong paid family leave program in New York State.  My name is Amy Traub and I am a Senior Policy Analyst at Demos. Demos is a public policy organization working for an
Testimony and Public Comment
Amy Traub

Lagging on Leave: While Businesses Fall Short, New York State Can Become a Leader on Paid Family Leave

Key Facts
Policy Briefs
Amy Traub
Robert Hiltonsmith

Automatic Voter Registration: Finding America's Missing Voters

Our current voter registration system, which is designed as a voter-initiated or “self-registration” system, creates barriers to registration that do not serve any significant purpose in a democracy. Automatic voter registration is the answer.

Research
Liz Kennedy
Lew Daly
Brenda Wright

The Financial Infrastructure Exchange: From Short-Term Gains to Long-Term Needs

The Financial Infrastructure Exchange (FIX) is a federal tax-and-subsidy program to promote long-term investment in a financial system that otherwise prioritizes short-term gains. 

Research
Wallace C. Turbeville

Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Rescuing Our Democracy and Our Economy by Transforming the Supreme Court’s Flawed Approach to Money in Politics

“For let it be agreed that a government is republican in proportion as every member composing it has an equal voice in the direction of its concerns…”  Thomas Jefferson Letter to Samuel Kercheval, July 12, 1816

Research
Adam Lioz

Buckley v. Valeo at 40

Buckley v. Valeo is a January 30, 1976 Supreme Court case that struck down key pieces of Congress’ post-Watergate money in politics reforms, and set the structure of modern campaign finance law.

Research
Adam Lioz

Less Debt, More Equity: Lowering Student Debt While Closing the Black-White Wealth Gap

How we can lower student debt while closing the Black-White wealth gap.

Research
Mark Huelsman
Tamara Draut
Tatjana Meschede
Lars Dietrich
Thomas Shapiro
Laura Sullivan

No Recourse: Putting an End to Bankruptcy’s Student Loan Exception

Student loans are treated differently than almost every other form of debt incurred by American households. 

Research

Floyd v City of New York Joint Remedial Process FAQs

Floyd v. City of New York is the landmark class action, spearheaded by the Center for Constitutional Rights, that proved the NYPD’s stop and frisk practice was unconstitutional and racially discriminatory. In March of 2015, Demos became co-counsel with CCR on behalf of the Floyd plaintiffs. In that
Research
Jenn Rolnick Borchetta

The Administration’s Responsibility to Provide Voter Registration through Federally Facilitated Exchanges – Action Needed Now

Dear Mr. President:

Testimony and Public Comment
Heather C. McGhee