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In the second piece of the series, Dēmos co-founder David Callahan takes us back to the late 1990s—a moment that appeared prosperous on the surface yet held deeper warning signs.

In a new report, Stand Up Mobile, Dēmos, and Southern Coalition for Social Justice expose the barriers pushing more than 815,000 Alabamians out of the electoral process — and offer commonsense solutions to bring them back in.

At a time when democratic norms are under authoritarian attack and concentrated power threatens to drown out people’s voices, Stephen Heintz, one of Dēmos’ founding presidents, reminds us why the work of building a multiracial democracy and inclusive economy remains as urgent—and as possible—as ever.

Public goods exist because we invest in them together, and when they are implemented properly, they expand freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all of us. That is how paying taxes becomes an act of care for our community.

If we want to build an economy that works for everyone, we must focus not only on how many jobs are created, but also on strengthening worker power and advancing policies that improve job quality—especially in undervalued sectors.

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.