Roosevelt Institute
@rooseveltinstitute.org
Advancing ideas that rebalance power in our economy and democracy. www.rooseveltinstitute.org
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Social Security’s depleting trust fund has led people to doubt its long-term viability.
But is it really in crisis? @socio-steve.bsky.social explains how Congress can protect benefits and even strengthen the program's ability to ensure a good life in retirement. https://bit.ly/49mSedx
But is it really in crisis? @socio-steve.bsky.social explains how Congress can protect benefits and even strengthen the program's ability to ensure a good life in retirement. https://bit.ly/49mSedx
According to new polling from @navigatorsurvey.bsky.social, the public isn’t asking for territorial debates—they’re asking for relief from rising everyday costs.
Investing in families > geopolitical distraction.
https://bit.ly/4pzsFdX
Investing in families > geopolitical distraction.
https://bit.ly/4pzsFdX
Americans Don’t Want Greenland, They Just Want Lower Costs
Polling report on the latest views of President Trump’s priorities while in office, including views of his recent actions in Venezuela, perceptions of ICE and the shooting of Renee Good, and what Amer...
navigatorresearch.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:45 PM
According to new polling from @navigatorsurvey.bsky.social, the public isn’t asking for territorial debates—they’re asking for relief from rising everyday costs.
Investing in families > geopolitical distraction.
https://bit.ly/4pzsFdX
Investing in families > geopolitical distraction.
https://bit.ly/4pzsFdX
Yesterday’s hearing proves we have a system built for consolidation and billionaire profit—raising prices and hollowing out local news.
These massive, unpopular mergers are the inevitable outcome of market-first media policy.
These massive, unpopular mergers are the inevitable outcome of market-first media policy.
January 15, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Yesterday’s hearing proves we have a system built for consolidation and billionaire profit—raising prices and hollowing out local news.
These massive, unpopular mergers are the inevitable outcome of market-first media policy.
These massive, unpopular mergers are the inevitable outcome of market-first media policy.
Social Security’s depleting trust fund has led people to doubt its long-term viability.
But is it really in crisis? @socio-steve.bsky.social explains how Congress can protect benefits and even strengthen the program's ability to ensure a good life in retirement. https://bit.ly/49mSedx
But is it really in crisis? @socio-steve.bsky.social explains how Congress can protect benefits and even strengthen the program's ability to ensure a good life in retirement. https://bit.ly/49mSedx
January 15, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Social Security’s depleting trust fund has led people to doubt its long-term viability.
But is it really in crisis? @socio-steve.bsky.social explains how Congress can protect benefits and even strengthen the program's ability to ensure a good life in retirement. https://bit.ly/49mSedx
But is it really in crisis? @socio-steve.bsky.social explains how Congress can protect benefits and even strengthen the program's ability to ensure a good life in retirement. https://bit.ly/49mSedx
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
You may have heard that "social security is going to go bankrupt." Many younger people assume social security will not be there for them when they retire. In my latest paper I correct the record. SS is not going bankrupt but we'll need to revisit it soon 🧵
rooseveltinstitute.org/publications...
rooseveltinstitute.org/publications...
“Will Social Security Run Out?” Is the Wrong Question: How Lawmakers Can Protect Beneficiaries and Strengthen OASI
Is Social Security really in crisis? This report examines the OASI Trust Fund, lessons from 1983, and policy options to secure benefits for the future.
rooseveltinstitute.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:40 PM
You may have heard that "social security is going to go bankrupt." Many younger people assume social security will not be there for them when they retire. In my latest paper I correct the record. SS is not going bankrupt but we'll need to revisit it soon 🧵
rooseveltinstitute.org/publications...
rooseveltinstitute.org/publications...
The Administration says: “housing affordability.”
Federal Housing Finance Agency does: cut fair lending staff, weaken enforcement, and lower affordability goals.
Result: working families pay more and get fewer options.
Federal Housing Finance Agency does: cut fair lending staff, weaken enforcement, and lower affordability goals.
Result: working families pay more and get fewer options.
As Trump Pushes Housing Affordability, His Mortgage Chief Undermines It
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:28 PM
The Administration says: “housing affordability.”
Federal Housing Finance Agency does: cut fair lending staff, weaken enforcement, and lower affordability goals.
Result: working families pay more and get fewer options.
Federal Housing Finance Agency does: cut fair lending staff, weaken enforcement, and lower affordability goals.
Result: working families pay more and get fewer options.
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
It's been 1 million+ annually for more than 30 years (barring a pandemic year or two). Think about how that factors into, for example, OASDI trust fund projections. Cutting off immigration is going to hit social security hard.
Net US immigration was zero or slightly negative last year, in important new estimates by @stanveuger.bsky.social et al.
The loss of labor cut GDP growth by about 0.2 percentage points.
The loss of labor cut GDP growth by about 0.2 percentage points.
Macroeconomic implications of immigration flows in 2025 and 2026: January 2026 update | Brookings
Wendy Edelberg, Stan Veuger, and Tara Watson review immigration flow trends in 2025 and 2026, and analyze their macroeconomic implications.
www.brookings.edu
January 14, 2026 at 12:36 PM
It's been 1 million+ annually for more than 30 years (barring a pandemic year or two). Think about how that factors into, for example, OASDI trust fund projections. Cutting off immigration is going to hit social security hard.
Great read about why the closure of one of our nation’s oldest local newspapers will reverberate well outside its city limits. Access to reliable news is a public good, and without it, civic engagement suffers and misinformation spreads on unregulated platforms.
Did a quick Q&A about the imminent closure of my hometown newspaper for the @us.theconversation.com
Why the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s closure exposes a growing threat to democracy
When reputable local news outlets close, fewer people vote and get involved in local politics, and misinformation, corruption and polarization increase.
theconversation.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Great read about why the closure of one of our nation’s oldest local newspapers will reverberate well outside its city limits. Access to reliable news is a public good, and without it, civic engagement suffers and misinformation spreads on unregulated platforms.
Ratcheting up pressure on the Fed is not just an abstract threat to a public institution. It carries real economic consequences in the form of higher costs, higher interest rates, and greater instability that working families will pay for sooner or later.
More from @mikemadowitz.bsky.social ⬇️
More from @mikemadowitz.bsky.social ⬇️
January 13, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Ratcheting up pressure on the Fed is not just an abstract threat to a public institution. It carries real economic consequences in the form of higher costs, higher interest rates, and greater instability that working families will pay for sooner or later.
More from @mikemadowitz.bsky.social ⬇️
More from @mikemadowitz.bsky.social ⬇️
This is a dangerous moment for our democracy and our economy. Undermining the Fed’s independence not only erodes trust in our institutions but threatens higher prices, higher interest rates, and broader financial instability that hits all Americans.
Federal Prosecutors Open Investigation Into Fed Chair Powell
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:15 PM
This is a dangerous moment for our democracy and our economy. Undermining the Fed’s independence not only erodes trust in our institutions but threatens higher prices, higher interest rates, and broader financial instability that hits all Americans.
“Rationing by inconvenience” is a core business strategy for profit-driven insurers.
Watch our fellow @mirandayaver.bsky.social break down how profit-driven insurers count on patients giving up when claims are denied, even when care is life or death.
That’s a feature, not a bug, of our system.
Watch our fellow @mirandayaver.bsky.social break down how profit-driven insurers count on patients giving up when claims are denied, even when care is life or death.
That’s a feature, not a bug, of our system.
Here is the CBS Sunday Morning piece for which I was interviewed about findings from my book Coverage Denied. Health insurance barriers ration health care by inconvenience, imposing hurdles to get prescribed care with administratively burdensome appeals many can’t navigate. youtu.be/SRPOoPDN-7w?...
State of denial: How insurance companies impact health care today
YouTube video by CBS Sunday Morning
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 4:14 PM
“Rationing by inconvenience” is a core business strategy for profit-driven insurers.
Watch our fellow @mirandayaver.bsky.social break down how profit-driven insurers count on patients giving up when claims are denied, even when care is life or death.
That’s a feature, not a bug, of our system.
Watch our fellow @mirandayaver.bsky.social break down how profit-driven insurers count on patients giving up when claims are denied, even when care is life or death.
That’s a feature, not a bug, of our system.
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
Over 8 million workers are getting a long overdue raise.
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
Nineteen states raised their minimum wage starting this month, providing a pay bump to an estimated 8.3 million workers.
Sweeping Minimum-Wage Hikes Take Hold Across the Country
A mix of 19 states, both red and blue, bumped their minimum wages this month, several to over $15 an hour.
on.wsj.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Over 8 million workers are getting a long overdue raise.
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
This is what it looks like when government gives the child care crisis the attention it deserves.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
Breaking News: Gov. Kathy Hochul, partnering with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, will unveil a plan to expand free or affordable child care for New Yorkers across the state.
Hochul and Mamdani to Announce Road Map to Expand Child Care
Governor Kathy Hochul will appear with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lay out a plan to expand free and subsidized child care in New York, which had been a central focus of his campaign.
nyti.ms
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
This is what it looks like when government gives the child care crisis the attention it deserves.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
Treating housing like a financial asset instead of a human need has made homes unaffordable for millions of working families. We need smart and cohesive housing policies to expand supply, lower costs, and protect renters and first-time homebuyers.
How to Fix Housing: The Pivot from Localism to Regionalism and Rule of Law - Roosevelt Institute
This essay is part of Roosevelt’s 2025 collection, Restoring Economic Democracy: Progressive Ideas for Stability and Prosperity. The American planning system’s guiding principle is localism. The comme...
rooseveltinstitute.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Treating housing like a financial asset instead of a human need has made homes unaffordable for millions of working families. We need smart and cohesive housing policies to expand supply, lower costs, and protect renters and first-time homebuyers.
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
“Affordability is worsening for working people, and housing costs are a key driver of this crisis,” says our Chief Strategy Officer Allison Zelman in @banking.senate.gov's new report on the administration’s broken housing promises. Housing should be for people, not Wall Street.
ICYMI: Warren, Schumer, Senate Democrats Take On Trump's Broken Promise to Address Historic Housing Costs Crisis | United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
The Official website of The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
www.banking.senate.gov
January 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM
“Affordability is worsening for working people, and housing costs are a key driver of this crisis,” says our Chief Strategy Officer Allison Zelman in @banking.senate.gov's new report on the administration’s broken housing promises. Housing should be for people, not Wall Street.
#ICYMI: Our top stories
✅ NY announces a statewide universal childcare proposal
✅ Why state action matters for the care economy
✅ Undergrad fellowship applications due 1/12
More in the #RooseveltRundown ⬇️
https://bit.ly/45JfJLq
✅ NY announces a statewide universal childcare proposal
✅ Why state action matters for the care economy
✅ Undergrad fellowship applications due 1/12
More in the #RooseveltRundown ⬇️
https://bit.ly/45JfJLq
New York Takes Steps Toward Universal Childcare
After a whirlwind week of sweeping new policy directives from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on issues ranging from housing to junk fees, on Thursday New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined the mayor to announce a new statewide universal childcare pro...
rooseveltinstitute.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:46 PM
#ICYMI: Our top stories
✅ NY announces a statewide universal childcare proposal
✅ Why state action matters for the care economy
✅ Undergrad fellowship applications due 1/12
More in the #RooseveltRundown ⬇️
https://bit.ly/45JfJLq
✅ NY announces a statewide universal childcare proposal
✅ Why state action matters for the care economy
✅ Undergrad fellowship applications due 1/12
More in the #RooseveltRundown ⬇️
https://bit.ly/45JfJLq
December jobs data closes out the weakest hiring year since the pandemic—and, outside a recession, since 2003.
Manufacturing is down, Black and youth unemployment are high, and hiring stalled nearly everywhere except healthcare.
Whatever this is, it can't be called strong growth.
Manufacturing is down, Black and youth unemployment are high, and hiring stalled nearly everywhere except healthcare.
Whatever this is, it can't be called strong growth.
2025 is now, officially, the worst year for job creation outside of recession since 2003.
@byheatherlong.bsky.social
@byheatherlong.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 3:06 PM
December jobs data closes out the weakest hiring year since the pandemic—and, outside a recession, since 2003.
Manufacturing is down, Black and youth unemployment are high, and hiring stalled nearly everywhere except healthcare.
Whatever this is, it can't be called strong growth.
Manufacturing is down, Black and youth unemployment are high, and hiring stalled nearly everywhere except healthcare.
Whatever this is, it can't be called strong growth.
“Affordability is worsening for working people, and housing costs are a key driver of this crisis,” says our Chief Strategy Officer Allison Zelman in @banking.senate.gov's new report on the administration’s broken housing promises. Housing should be for people, not Wall Street.
ICYMI: Warren, Schumer, Senate Democrats Take On Trump's Broken Promise to Address Historic Housing Costs Crisis | United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
The Official website of The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
www.banking.senate.gov
January 8, 2026 at 8:36 PM
“Affordability is worsening for working people, and housing costs are a key driver of this crisis,” says our Chief Strategy Officer Allison Zelman in @banking.senate.gov's new report on the administration’s broken housing promises. Housing should be for people, not Wall Street.
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
Looking forward to hearing more details about the childcare plan in NY, (esp around workforce compensation!). But for now, leaning into hope. Proud to live in a state that shows us that in these dark times, the government CAN still do what it's truly here to do: work for the people.
This is what it looks like when government gives the child care crisis the attention it deserves.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
Breaking News: Gov. Kathy Hochul, partnering with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, will unveil a plan to expand free or affordable child care for New Yorkers across the state.
January 8, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Looking forward to hearing more details about the childcare plan in NY, (esp around workforce compensation!). But for now, leaning into hope. Proud to live in a state that shows us that in these dark times, the government CAN still do what it's truly here to do: work for the people.
This is what it looks like when government gives the child care crisis the attention it deserves.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
Breaking News: Gov. Kathy Hochul, partnering with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, will unveil a plan to expand free or affordable child care for New Yorkers across the state.
Hochul and Mamdani to Announce Road Map to Expand Child Care
Governor Kathy Hochul will appear with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lay out a plan to expand free and subsidized child care in New York, which had been a central focus of his campaign.
nyti.ms
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
This is what it looks like when government gives the child care crisis the attention it deserves.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
A statewide roadmap towards universal childcare, universal 2-care in NYC, and a break from a market that has priced families out in New York, reflecting a nationwide crisis.
Over 8 million workers are getting a long overdue raise.
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
Nineteen states raised their minimum wage starting this month, providing a pay bump to an estimated 8.3 million workers.
Sweeping Minimum-Wage Hikes Take Hold Across the Country
A mix of 19 states, both red and blue, bumped their minimum wages this month, several to over $15 an hour.
on.wsj.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Over 8 million workers are getting a long overdue raise.
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
19 states increased their minimum wage this month. More workers now live in states with a $15+ wage than those stuck at the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.
Much needed relief for working families as wages lag behind the cost of living
85 years ago today, President Roosevelt gave a bold vision for the future based on four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. Decades later, these are still freedoms worth striving toward. #OnThisDay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrNDwyj4u1w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrNDwyj4u1w
Four Freedoms Speech
YouTube video by FDRLibrary
www.youtube.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:38 PM
85 years ago today, President Roosevelt gave a bold vision for the future based on four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. Decades later, these are still freedoms worth striving toward. #OnThisDay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrNDwyj4u1w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrNDwyj4u1w
The administration is freezing $10B in child care and anti-poverty funding in five states—putting care for hundreds of thousands of working-class families at risk.
Cuts or delays this large will strain providers, disrupt quality care for children, and could force working parents out of their jobs.
Cuts or delays this large will strain providers, disrupt quality care for children, and could force working parents out of their jobs.
BREAKING: The Trump administration is suspending $10 billion intended for child care and poor families in five blue states.
www.axios.com/2026/01/05/t...
www.axios.com/2026/01/05/t...
Trump administration to freeze billions in childcare funding in five states
The White House is pointing to reports of social services fraud in Minnesota to threaten funding for child care around the country.
www.axios.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:33 PM
The administration is freezing $10B in child care and anti-poverty funding in five states—putting care for hundreds of thousands of working-class families at risk.
Cuts or delays this large will strain providers, disrupt quality care for children, and could force working parents out of their jobs.
Cuts or delays this large will strain providers, disrupt quality care for children, and could force working parents out of their jobs.
Unregulated prediction markets put working-class users at risk when anonymous government insiders can skew the markets and profit from their own knowledge.
Democracy isn’t a game for policymakers to bet on. Serious regulation is long overdue.
🎯 from @prospect.org:
Democracy isn’t a game for policymakers to bet on. Serious regulation is long overdue.
🎯 from @prospect.org:
Monetizing Regime Change - The American Prospect
It is trivially easy for administration officials to use prediction markets to bet on the policies they authorize. We may have just seen it in Venezuela.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Unregulated prediction markets put working-class users at risk when anonymous government insiders can skew the markets and profit from their own knowledge.
Democracy isn’t a game for policymakers to bet on. Serious regulation is long overdue.
🎯 from @prospect.org:
Democracy isn’t a game for policymakers to bet on. Serious regulation is long overdue.
🎯 from @prospect.org:
A new Yale–Columbia study confirms what many have feared: the Supreme Court is increasingly ruling for the wealthy, with GOP-appointed justices siding with the richer party 70% of the time this decade, up from ~45% in the 1950s.
Supreme Court Increasingly Favors the Rich, Economists Say
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:28 PM
A new Yale–Columbia study confirms what many have feared: the Supreme Court is increasingly ruling for the wealthy, with GOP-appointed justices siding with the richer party 70% of the time this decade, up from ~45% in the 1950s.
Reposted by Roosevelt Institute
The impacts of this admin recklessly shutting off all childcare funding to a state are grave. Our childcare system is struggling from an EXISTING supply crisis - anything that closes programs will have ripple effects on children, care workers, folks' ability to work, & the economy for years to come.
After the Trump administration shut off all childcare funding to Minnesota, over 200,000 children will lose access to care. Centers say they'll have to close. minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/31/m...
Minnesota child care providers say Trump’s funding freeze will shut down their businesses • Minnesota Reformer
Child care center owners and Minnesota Democratic leaders decried on Wednesday the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding to the state, which they said would cripple an already fragile indus...
minnesotareformer.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:48 PM
The impacts of this admin recklessly shutting off all childcare funding to a state are grave. Our childcare system is struggling from an EXISTING supply crisis - anything that closes programs will have ripple effects on children, care workers, folks' ability to work, & the economy for years to come.