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The Debt Ceiling Will Be Reinstated on January 1 — Here’s What’s at Stake
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Our polling tracks the public’s views about our fiscal and economic condition and the progress elected leaders are making in addressing it.
Latest Articles
The Cost of Doing Nothing About Social Security
Any change to Social Security will impact how Americans approach retirement decisions, but the costliest choice would be doing nothing.
What is Stepped-Up Basis on Capital Gains and How Does it Affect the Federal Budget?
The step-up in basis is a provision in tax law that relates to how assets — such as stocks, bonds, or real estate — are valued and taxed after their owner passes away.
How Much Government Spending Goes to Children?
Interest costs on the national debt are expected to rapidly outstrip spending on children in coming years.
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With Automatic Benefit Cuts Looming, Nearly All Voters Want Lawmakers to Reform Social Security
Social Security, America’s essential public retirement program, is on a path to depletion in less than 10 years.
Trustees Report: Funding Challenges Threaten Medicare’s Future
Medicare spending equaled 2.9 percent of GDP in 2018, but is expected to rise to 5.5 percent of GDP by 2043.
Swing State Voters Want Harris and Trump to Give Detailed Plans for Shoring Up Social Security
The majority of voters in key battleground states say it’s important for presidential candidates to have a plan to prevent automatic cuts to Social Security.
Social Security Reform: Options to Raise Revenues
Here are the pros and cons for three approaches to increasing funds dedicated to Social Security.
Should We Eliminate the Social Security Tax Cap?
There have been a number of proposals to increase, eliminate, or otherwise adjust the payroll tax cap as a way to shore up Social Security’s finances.
How Are Safety Net Programs Helping the Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Despite the increased federal deficit, the expansion of safety net programs has led to generally effective economic stimulus.
7 Key Trends in Poverty in the United States
Thirteen percent of the U.S. population lives in poverty. Learn more about the demographic and regional variations in the poverty rate.