
Personal Stories
The Stories team identifies and interviews Americans nationwide whose stories demonstrate the value of progressive policies. The team works with storytellers to elevate their experiences through press interviews, op-eds, videos, and graphics, as well as events and monthly story collections. This page showcases some of that work. For more information about the Stories program, please contact Sage Warner at swarner@americanprogress.org.
Jobs


Investments in infrastructure and manufacturing are driving a revival in Ohio’s trades

The ARP Helped Some Nevada Residents Open Child Care Businesses

The American Rescue Plan Helps Nevada Small-Business Owner Recover and Prosper After the Pandemic
Economic Justice

Biden’s State of the Union—and the stories people from across the country are telling us—make the case for economic optimism
In an op-ed, Sage Warner writes that while some Americans are unaware of President Joe Biden’s agenda now, people across demographics will feel the benefits as policies are implemented in the coming years. The stories we hear at this point already signal that far-reaching impact.

Nevada Nonprofits Use ARP Funding To Invest in Reliable Internet for Local Libraries
A Nevada nonprofit for local libraries utilizes American Rescue Plan funds to provide reliable internet to the community.
Health Care Costs

Older Arizonan Will Save Thousands of Dollars Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

Medicare Patient With Diabetes Will Save Thousands With Insulin Copay Cap

Georgia Veteran Awaits Prescription Drug Savings From the Inflation Reduction Act

Local communities are buying medical debt for pennies on the dollar—and freeing American families from the threat of bankruptcy
Infrastructure

Indigenous Chickasaw Family Receives Internet Discount From the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivers discounted internet for an Oklahoma Indigenous family living on Tribal lands.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Helps Arizonans With Disabilities Access Transportation

Biden’s infrastructure bill helps prevent parents from losing children to car wrecks
Border City Receives American Rescue Plan Funding To Construct Commercial Port
Government can actually work, just ask Maysville
Environmental and Climate Justice

Milwaukee Mother Is Grateful for Federal Action To Address Lead Poisoning In Her Community
A woman whose young son contracted lead poisoning sees her community benefit from lead removal funds in the bipartisan infrastructure law.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funds Clean Water Initiative in New Hampshire Community
Residents in Merrimack, New Hampshire, will finally have clean drinking water thanks to water remediation investments in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Latest

The ACA Affords Protections for Young People With Rare Health Conditions
A Wisconsin patient with a rare condition was protected by the ACA’s preexisting condition provision and continuity of care.

Americans on Private Insurance Are Protected by the ACA
A cancer patient in Illinois is relieved to have health care protections from the ACA.

Kansans With Diabetes Can Access Affordable and Reliable Health Care Through the ACA
A Kansas state legislator accessed ACA subsidies for affordable and reliable health care.

The ACA Provides Affordable Health Care for Georgians With Preexisting Conditions
A Georgia woman explains how the ACA’s protections have ensured her access to reliable health care.

The ACA Allows Insulin Affordability Advocate To Start Small Business
A small-business owner in Minnesota explains how the ACA allowed her the freedom to quit her job and start her business.

13 Years Later: The Affordable Care Act’s Enduring Legacy
Americans share how the Affordable Care Act has changed their lives and continues to benefit them.

Year 2 of the American Rescue Plan: Stories of Historic Recovery
On the second anniversary of the American Rescue Plan, Americans share how the legislation has affected their lives and communities.

The American Rescue Plan’s Expanded Child Tax Credit Helped Struggling Families Weather the Pandemic
A single mother from West Virginia used her monthly child tax credit to keep food on the table and her car running.

Temporary Expansion of Child Tax Credit Helped Families Afford Rising Rent
A single father from Maine experienced economic relief from the monthly child tax credit.

Rural North Carolina Communities Connect to 21st Century Infrastructure
A rural North Carolina community received a grant from the American Rescue Plan to extend high-speed internet to its residents.

Border City Receives American Rescue Plan Funding To Construct Commercial Port
An Arizona county official describes the economic benefit of using American Rescue Plan funds to construct a commercial port at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Local Government Uses American Rescue Plan Funds To Erase Medical Debt
An Ohio city councilwoman passed legislation allocating American Rescue Plan funds to wipe out medical debt in her community.