The Middle Class: The Engines of Economic Growth
The Center for American Progress has launched a 2012 series of events and publications on the importance of the middle class to our economy. Our series is based on the bedrock progressive principle that a strong middle class is essential for both economic growth and economic stability.
Multimedia & Video
The Buffett Rule
Center for American Progress Director of Fiscal Reform Seth Hanlon explains why the Buffett Rule is a fair and necessary element of tax reform.
Video: Did the Stimulus Work?
Michael Linden examines the success of the stimulus by looking at its impact on three broad but important indicators for the American economy.
Heather Boushey on How Inequality Threatens the Middle Class
Center for American Progress Senior Economist Heather Boushey explains why a strong middle class is so important for America.
Budgeting for Growth
Michael Linden talks about CAP's new deficit reduction plan and why it focuses on the middle class.
Recent Publications
- No Time to End Unemployment Benefits: Congress Must Act by Year-End
- Budgeting for Growth and Prosperity: A Long-term Plan to Balance the Budget, Grow the Economy, and Strengthen the Middle Class
- Building It Up, Not Tearing It Down: A Progressive Approach to Strengthening Social Security
- The College Conundrum: Why the Benefits of a College Education May Not Be So Clear, Especially to Men
- A Focus on Competitiveness: Restructuring Policymaking for Results
- The Power of the President: Recommendations to Advance Progressive Change
RECENT FEATURES
Markets & Regulation
The Volcker Rule Must Be Strengthened
Travis Waldron parses the evidence of why risky proprietary trading is the root of the bank’s big loss, something taxpayer-insured bank deposits should not be backstopping.Housing
The Global Importance of Government Guarantees in Mortgage Finance
David Min details the several ways the U.S. government guarantee on residential mortgages works and then compares those processes with the very different but equally important government role in guaranteeing home mortgages across Europe.Economic Outlook
Making Investments Today for a Competitive Economy Tomorrow
Policymakers must refocus their sights on ensuring we make the necessary investments today in education, science, and research and development that play an essential role in driving private-sector innovation and productivity, write Adam Hersh and Christian E. Weller. More on Economy
The American Middle Class, Income Inequality, and the Strength of Our Economy: New Evidence in Economics
5 Myths and Realities About U.S.-China Solar Trade Competition: Our Nation Cannot Capitulate to China’s Solar Technology Ambitions
Japan’s Inclusion Makes the Trans-Pacific Partnership a Big Opportunity : New Agreement Could Lead to Better Trade Between U.S. and Japan
Building a More Prosperous Europe: Progressive, Pragmatic, and Pro-Growth Policies Will Help Boost Jobs Growth and Stem the Sovereign Debt Crisis
Closing Tax Loophole to Pay for Student Loan Bill Is Simply Common Sense: Senate’s Tax Code Fix Is a Way to Keep Student Loans Affordable
Private-Sector Jobs Bounce Back Under Obama : But Public-Sector Hemorrhaging Dampens the Picture
Jobs Growth Continues in April, but Congress Needs to Help Make Sure It Lasts: More Budget Cutting Is Sure to Kill Momentum
Managing Taxpayer Risk: The Federal Government Responsibly Prices and Manages Risk When Issuing Loans and Loan Guarantees
A Strong Middle Class Is the Foundation of Good Governance : CAP Event Examines Why We Need to Close the Income Gap
Student Loan Debt Seems to Rise No Matter What the Economy Does: Student Debt During the Great Recession Puts Borrowers in a Bind