In Case You Missed It . . .

This week at CBPP, we focused on state budgets and taxes, food assistance, and housing.

• On state budgets and taxes, Whitney Tucker explained that states can use the Black Women Best framework to reform their...

"Tough-on-Crime" Bills in Louisiana and Kentucky Are Harmful, Costly Steps in the Wrong Direction; State Lawmakers Should Prioritize Policies That Will Actually Improve Public Safety

Lawmakers in both Kentucky and Louisiana have adopted antiquated "tough-on-crime" bills that will put more people behind bars and keep them there longer. These bills take an ineffective approach to crime that not only harms...

States Should Center Black Women in Tax Reform

States and localities can realize more equitable, thriving economies by using their revenue policies to address the marginalization and exploitation of Black women. As I explain in a new paper, policymakers should chart a...

Solutions to Homelessness Within Reach Regardless of Supreme Court Ruling in Upcoming Case

Homelessness has risen to historic levels, and the Supreme Court is about to weigh in on whether communities can fine or jail people for sleeping outside when they have nowhere safe to go. But...

In Case You Missed It . . .

This week at CBPP, we focused on federal taxes, health, state budgets and taxes, Social Security, housing, and income security.

• On federal taxes, Chuck Marr highlighted seven charts on the 2017 Trump tax law, explaining...

States Should Protect Guaranteed Income Initiatives and Other Unrestricted Cash Programs

States should listen to the research and to people with the lived expertise of making a limited income work for their families: both say guaranteed income programs that provide cash to households with low incomes...

SSA Budget Will Worsen Customer Service Crisis, But Investment in 2025 Could Fund Turnaround

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is experiencing a customer service crisis, with long hold times on the phone and record-long waits for disability determinations, fueled by over a decade of austere funding. Yet the...

Making Rental Assistance Work Better for People Struggling to Afford Housing

Housing Choice Vouchers are highly effective at helping people with low incomes afford housing, but they could do better in important ways. Lawmakers should prioritize enacting legislation to make the voucher program more efficient and...

Tax Day 2024: Five State Tax Trends to Watch

Critical debates over the role of state revenues in supporting people’s needs are playing out in statehouses nationwide, with serious implications for family well-being, economic opportunity, and support for vital public services ranging from quality...

IRS Direct File Provides Free Tax Filing, Boosts Tax System Equity

Eligible taxpayers in 12 states can file their taxes this year directly with the IRS securely, quickly, and for free using Direct File, a new digital tax filing tool from the IRS. April 15...