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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

Immigrant Sanctuary Policies: Threats to Retract Federal Funding are Overblown

Supreme Court cases clearly demonstrate that under the Tenth Amendment, the federal government may not coerce state and local governments to enforce federal law through threats to withdraw federal funding.

Policy Briefs
Katherine Culliton-González

Demos Urges Senators to Oppose Judge Gorsuch’s Confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court

We write to urge you to reject President Trump’s nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to a lifetime appointment on the nation’s highest court.

Testimony and Public Comment
Heather C. McGhee
Brenda Wright
Adam Lioz

Money in Politics, Racial Equity, and the U.S. Supreme Court

Big-money politics is a key barrier to people of color achieving equal representation. 

Research
Adam Lioz

On the Maryland Law Enforcement and Governmental Trust Act

The state legislature should support the Maryland Law Enforcement and Governmental Trust Act (“Trust Act”) and its model of limiting state and local involvement with federal immigration law enforcement.

Testimony and Public Comment
Katherine Culliton-González

How States Can Protect Voters While Keeping Their Voter Rolls Up to Date

This Explainer describes the legal requirements states must follow when maintaining voter rolls.

Research
Cameron Bell

The Asset Value of Whiteness: Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap

How past racial injustices are carried forward as wealth handed down across generations and reinforced by “color-blind” practices and policies.

Research
Amy Traub
Laura Sullivan
Tatjana Meschede
Thomas Shapiro

Money in Politics & The Supreme Court: Frequently Asked Questions

What do people mean by “money in politics” or “campaign finance reform”? Running for office requires money—for staff, travel, TV ads, etc. In many countries, much of the cost of public elections is paid for by public funds, so the voters control the process and candidates are only accountable to

Research
Adam Lioz

Judge Gorsuch’s Extreme Views Could Undermine Urgently Needed Money-In-Politics Reforms

Trump’s Nominee Must be Pressed on Money in Politics For four decades, the Supreme Court’s flawed approach to money in politics has gutted common-sense protections against the power of special interests and wealthy individuals, and shaped a system that 85% of Americans believe needs
Research
The Campaign Legal Center

Trump’s Alternative Facts Contradicting the Rights of Sanctuary Cities to Protect and Welcome Immigrants

In the first few days of President Trump’s administration, our nation has already seen a direct assault on our democracy. This week, President Trump issued two anti-immigrant Executive Orders, including one on “Interior Enforcement,” which sets forth provisions punishing sanctuary cities that refuse
Research

Letter to Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee Re: Appointment of Betsy DeVos

We are concerned that given Ms. DeVos’ track record to privatize public education and her lack of a clear position concerning the affordability crisis in higher education, the committee cannot properly assess whether Ms. DeVos is fit to run the U.S. Department of Education.

Testimony and Public Comment
Tamara Draut
Vijay Das
Mark Huelsman