ICYMI: A New Economic Patriotism: A Conversation with Ro Khanna
Yesterday, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joined CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden for a critical conversation about how we can build an economy where everyone has a real shot at economic success and security. The takeaway: We must embrace an economic patriotism that recognizes our country’s strengths while realizing the promise of prosperity that’s still denied to so many.
America is more divided than ever. Some parts of the country and segments of society are amassing vast wealth, while others are struggling following decades of disinvestment, lost jobs, and declining wages. America’s prosperity should benefit all those who help create it, not just CEOs and venture capitalists.
That means making child care and health care affordable and accessible, revitalizing American manufacturing, raising wages, and reshaping our education system in step with today’s economy and tomorrow’s. We need a policy agenda that listens to the needs of communities and families left behind. Rep. Khanna believes in building things in America again—and that all Americans must come together to embrace this new economic patriotism as our national purpose.
Join us for upcoming conversations with Sens. Mark Kelly and Raphael Warnock
This morning at 10:30 a.m. ET, we’ll be joined by Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to discuss how his new “AI for America” roadmap is the start of a conversation to make artificial intelligence (AI) work for all Americans, not just the wealthy few. The rise of AI is affecting every corner of the American economy, workforce, and society. Voters are increasingly concerned about AI’s impacts on their utility costs, jobs, and families, yet too few policymakers are asking how AI can benefit all Americans. As a former astronaut, Sen. Kelly has been a leader in defending America’s science and innovation ecosystem, including opposing devastating proposed cuts to NASA, the National Science Foundation, and other federally funded research programs.
On Thursday, December 11, at 9:30 a.m. ET, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) will reflect on what he describes as America’s spiritual crisis, a time defined by deepening economic insecurity, growing social disconnection, and widespread distrust in both government and each other. Sen. Warnock will discuss how we can begin to heal our collective spirit by restoring the promise of the American dream. That starts with tackling the urgent affordability crisis.
Why Gen Z Men Are the Most Pro-Union Generation in History
Unions are popular across ages and demographic groups in America. But did you know that Gen Z men support unions more strongly than any other group?
A new CAP report analyzes 2024 polling data that show high support for unions among Gen Z men and examines how gains in union membership for young men have driven this trend. It also finds that Gen Z men show higher support for unions than older generations of men and women did at their age.
Unions offer substantial economic gains, such as higher wages and increased household wealth, for all workers, but the boost for young men is especially large. Given that unions give workers a say in their workplaces and empower workers to come together to bargain for better wages and benefits, it’s no wonder Gen Z men today are the most pro-union generation in history.
Policymakers must protect Head Start in order to address the youth mental health crisis
Photo: Getty Images
Youth in America are in the grips of a mental health crisis, with 1 in 10 children under the age of 5 suffering from some form of mental health issue.
Supporting mental health in early childhood is crucial. Head Start programs are a key way to address this crisis and the needs of children in our most vulnerable communities.
In addition to providing high-quality early childhood education for low-income families, Head Start offers broader family support that is crucial for boosting kids’ and parents’ mental well-being, including home visiting services, mental health consultations, and early screenings and intervention.
Classrooms should be stable and nurturing environments to promote lifelong well-being for children, but this year, Head Start has faced repeated attacks, including the Trump administration's funding cuts and freezes and the longest-ever government shutdown that resulted in programs closing their doors. This has left the low-income families who rely on the critical services Head Start provides in a lurch and uncertain about the program’s future.
It is imperative that policymakers commit to protecting Head Start, expand funding so that it can meet the needs of all eligible families, and look to the program as a model for holistic family support that can help mitigate the youth mental health crisis.
From restoring social trust in our democratic systems to building an economy that works for everyone, we are committed to developing the solutions that solve the real-life challenges Americans face every day. Help us continue our crucial work by getting involved and advocating for a better future for all.
