Building an Economy for All

Economic growth must be built on the foundation of a strong and secure middle class so that all Americans, not just those at the top, benefit from growth.

A child holds hands with her father and mother, January 12, 2020. (Getty/The Washington Post/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades)

What We're Doing

Investing in a stronger and more equitable economy

We must continue to invest in research, technology, and innovation in a manner that ensures participation and benefits communities that are too often left behind. Only through such an approach can the United States remain at the cutting edge in an increasingly competitive global market.

Strengthening worker power and economic mobility

We need to increase wages, reduce poverty among working families, increase worker power, and create pathways to economic mobility for all.

Raising the floor for basic living standards

Working toward a stronger and more equitable economy for everyone involves rebuilding, expanding, and strengthening America’s social safety net to make it more comprehensive in eligibility and services as well as more flexible in how it can be accessed and used.

Creating a new social compact with business

A new social compact with business includes a regulatory vision that better aligns investors, companies, and the public interest on critical matters such as climate, workers’ rights, and equality.

By the numbers

60M

The families of more than 60 million children have received CTC monthly payments since July 2021.

CAP, “Making the CTC and EITC Expansions Permanent Would Reduce Poverty and Grow the Economy” (2021).

$100

In 32 states, a typical family would save more than $100 per week on child care under the Build Back Better Act.

CAP, “The Build Back Better Act Would Greatly Lower Families’ Child Care Costs” (2021).

$22.5B

In a year, workers and their families lose $22.5 billion in wages due to lack of access to paid family and medical leave.

CAP, “A Real Recovery for Women Cannot Happen Without the Build Back Better Agenda” (2021).

$3.6T

The Build Back Better Act would raise $3.6 trillion in revenue to support investments in an inclusive, high-growth economy.

CAP, “Addressing Tax System Failings That Favor Billionaires and Corporations” (2021).

Recent work

Latest

Rep. Wendy E.N Thomas: Infrastructure Bill will help mitigate ‘forever chemicals’ In the News
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Rep. Wendy E.N Thomas: Infrastructure Bill will help mitigate ‘forever chemicals’

In an op-ed, New Hampshire state Rep. Wendy E.N. Thomas (D) describes how contaminated drinking water contributed to deteriorating public health in her community. Thomas explains how federal grants from the Biden administration’s infrastructure policies are delivering long-awaited relief to affected communities.

Wendy E.N. Thomas

A message for Texas Republicans: Gun violence is the problem In the News
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A message for Texas Republicans: Gun violence is the problem

Texas teacher, mother, and gun owner Danielle Navarro calls on Republicans to support commonsense gun laws in an op-ed. Navarro hopes for a country free from the terror of senseless gun violence for her children and all students.

Danielle Navarro

Dems took on big Pharma, voters like me noticed In the News
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Dems took on big Pharma, voters like me noticed

Lifelong asthma sufferer Carol Brown is eager to see the prescription drug savings from the Inflation Reduction Act. Beginning in 2025, Brown will save thousands of dollars annually due to the $2,000 copay cap.

Carol Brown

What’s the Point? On Overall Growth Versus Regional Development Article
Photo shows a group of newly constructed houses closely bordering farmland.

What’s the Point? On Overall Growth Versus Regional Development

Citizens across 11 leading democracies say they are more willing than not to sacrifice some overall growth to help build successful economies in the less well-off regions of their nations.

John Halpin

What’s the Point? Building a Successful Economy Article

What’s the Point? Building a Successful Economy

Citizens across 11 leading countries see education, regional investments, and cooperation between labor unions and businesses as good ways to build a successful economy.

John Halpin

Liz Shuler on Labor Day, Workers’ Rights, and the State of Unions Podcast

Liz Shuler on Labor Day, Workers’ Rights, and the State of Unions

In honor of Labor Day, Daniella talks with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler about what the holiday means; recent wins for the labor movement, including the Inflation Reduction Act; and the key issues workers and unions are continuing to fight for.

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