Empirical data showing policymakers, organizers, and progressives that there is clear public support for the notion that racism is a divide-and-conquer tactic creating distrust, undermining belief in government, and causing economic pain for everyone, of every color.
This report examines the effectiveness of the employment credit check laws enacted so far and finds that unjustified exemptions included in the laws, a failure to pursue enforcement, and a lack of public outreach have prevented these important employment protections from being as effective as they could be.
Demos President Taifa Smith Butler joins Colin to discuss Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, the Biden administration's economic agenda, and extremist attacks on education.
Demos President Taifa Smith Butler joins Colin to discuss Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, the Biden administration's economic agenda, and extremist attacks on education.
New York, NY — American families are using credit cards to bridge the gaps created by stagnant wages and higher costs of living and balances have grown dramatically since 1989, according to a new report published today by Demos. Borrowing to Make Ends Meet: the Rapid Growth of Credit Card Debt in America documents the disturbing trends in sky-rocketing credit card debt, and also provides detailed data based on age, race and income demographics.
Dēmos and New Economy Project explore how public banking can expand opportunities for communities of color to build shared generational and community wealth.
Washington, DC — Today in the United States, the credit card market is measured on a scale of billions. The amount of debt owed on credit cards in 2005 was $800 billion; $30 billion is how much lenders profit each year. Under the guise of "democratization" the federal government has deregulated the industry over the past 30 years, eliminating caps on interest rates and penalties. Those who can least afford it are paying the price.
How stark racial disparities have long pervaded our financial services system, fueling and entrenching inequality, and why public banks are a transformative, equitable alternative.
While the longest shutdown in U.S. history leaves millions of Americans with missed paychecks and mounting bills, this piece explores why we must build wealth for all, especially for communities that have been historically kept from economic opportunity.
While the government shutdown left us without recent economic data, the rising Black unemployment rate reveals essential truths about the state of our economy.
Despite living in one of the world’s wealthiest nations, millions of Americans remain financially vulnerable, with stark racial disparities in who has enough emergency savings to weather even a brief crisis.
A strong economy cannot be measured by stock market performance; it must be assessed by everyday people’s ability to meet their basic needs and achieve economic security.
New York, NY — As health care costs continue to rise faster than incomes, families are turning to credit cards to pay for medical care, according to new research by Demos and the Access Project. The public policy groups published the findings today in a report entitled "Borrowing to Stay Healthy: How Credit Card Debt Is Related to Medical Expenses."
The unemployment rate for Latina women reminds us that access to work alone is not enough. An economy that works for all requires not just jobs, but jobs that provide security, safety, and real opportunity.
A stronger economy starts with a stronger care system. Treating care as public infrastructure would benefit care recipients, care workers, and caregivers alike, while strengthening the economy for all of us.
