Menu
Library with curved shelves

Resources

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.

Featured
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

Hearing of the New York State Standing Committee on Elections: Testimony of Steven Carbo

The New York State Senate Committee on Elections began a series of public hearings on a package of election reform proposals. The second hearing — taking place in New York City — includes testimony showing the potential for increased voter turnout from Same Day Registration, by Steven Carbo, Senior
Testimony and Public Comment
Steven Carbó

Boston City Council Hearing on Campaign Finance Reform: Testimony of Brenda Wright

Testimony of Democracy Program Director Brenda Wright before the Boston City Council on Campaign Finance Reform

Testimony and Public Comment
Brenda Wright

Letter to House Financial Services in Support of Credit Cardholders Bill of Rights

Dear Representative and member of the Financial Services Committee: The undersigned consumer, civil rights, small business, investor, community and labor organizations representing tens of millions of Americans strongly urge you to vote for H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act (Rep
Testimony and Public Comment

Lessons Learned from the 2008 Election: Testimony of Miles Rapoport

Demos submitted this testimony from Demos President Miles Rapoport to the House Subcommittee on Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, highlighting the denial of voter registration opportunities for low-income voters and veterans, and underscoring the continued systemic problems with the
Testimony and Public Comment
Miles Rapoport

Elective Franchise: Registration and Voting on Election Day Testimony of Allegra Chapman

Allegra Chapman, Counsel in the Democracy Program, delivers testimony on the benefits of Election Day Registration before the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Maryland General Assembly.
Testimony and Public Comment
Allegra Chapman

The Contract for College

The Contract for College would unify the existing three strands of federal financial aid — grants, loans and work-study — into a coherent, guaranteed financial aid package for students.

Policy Briefs
Caleb Gibson
Viany Orozco

Election Day Voter Registration in New Mexico

Report authors R. Michael Alvarez and Jonathan Nagler have analyzed the likely impact on voter turnout should New Mexico adopt Same Day Registration (SDR). Under the system proposed in New Mexico, eligible voters who miss the current 28-day deadline for registering by mail may be able to register to
Research
R. Michael Alvarez
Jonathan Nagler

Elective Franchise: Registration and Voting on Election Day Testimony of Allegra Chapman

Allegra Chapman, Counsel in the Democracy Program, delivers testimony on the benefits of Election Day Registration before the House Ways and Means Committee of the Maryland General Assembly.
Testimony and Public Comment
Allegra Chapman

Senior Economic Security Fact Sheet

Economic security for seniors was built on the three-legged stool of retirement (Social Security, pensions, and savings) at the core of the social contract that rewards a lifetime of productivity. Economic security of seniors, however, is being challenged by two simultaneously occurring trends: a
Policy Briefs
Jennifer Wheary
Thomas M. Shapiro
Tatjana Meschede

Living Longer on Less Brief

Economic security for seniors was built on the three-legged stool of retirement (Social Security, pensions, and savings) at the core of the social contract that rewards a lifetime of productivity. Seniors’ economic security, however, is being challenged by two simultaneously occurring trends: a
Policy Briefs
Jennifer Wheary
Thomas M. Shapiro
Tatjana Meschede