Appointments Happening Now!

America needs strong local and state leaders to advance policies that promote personal and economic freedom. Are you interested in support to secure an appointment? We're here to help.

Briefs

Filter By:
Sort By:

Financial Literacy

Money is a commodity we deal with every single day and is essential for everyone. It brings context as a measurement of value to the goods, services, and resources that we have, need, and give. And yet, money is often discussed in hushed tones, if it is discussed at all. Limited discussion and opportunities to learn about money may result in a lack of basic financial knowledge and management skills, known as financial literacy. Financial literacy is key to understanding both our tangible and intangible assets so we can best manage our finances and ourselves.

Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series

Health Care

From ancient times it has been understood that “Good health and good sense are two of life's greatest blessings.”
(Publilius Syrus)

Good health is a building block of a good life and the American Dream. Advanced medicine is modern-day blessings courtesy of economic development and American medicine is by some measures the best in the world, but costs have been rising for decades, creating problems of access and affordability, and suppressing wage growth. Reforms meant to address these concerns have had unsatisfactory results. Is there a better way?

Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series The 2023 Series

Housing

From the Great Depression to the housing market crash of 2008 or the plight of homelessness to the shortage of affordable housing, housing has been a pressing policy issue in the United States. Is owning a home still a crucial part of the American dream? What about housing for those just starting out or for whom it has been a constant struggle? What roles do society and government play to meet the universal need for a safe place to call home? This Brief will cover the basics of housing policy, history, statistics, and the varied conversations aimed at solving the housing crisis.

Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series The Community Series

Safety Net Programs

Government assistance programs, sometimes referred to as social safety net programs, are various programs meant “to protect low-income Americans from poverty and hardship,” with the goal of getting Americans back on their feet, or to protect those without “sound body and mind” with a minimum standard of living. How are these programs structured and funded? How is success measured? What are the long-term financial outlooks?

Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series

Strategic Giving and Civic Engagement

We are known and remembered for how we give our time, talent, and treasures. This brief allows you to reflect on how you give, better define your values and goals, and boost your understanding of the opportunities and challenges in philanthropy. The brief highlights the role strategic giving plays in civic engagement and rejuvenating civic life in America.

Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series The Active Citizenship Series

Taxes

To fund the services it provides, the United States government derives revenue from individuals and businesses by taxing income, purchases, and property, in addition to various taxes paid on specific goods or activities. However, some think the current tax code undermines fairness, economic growth, and transparency. Do the recent changes to the tax code go far enough to better serve these goals? What else should be done?

State Specific Information: Illinois Wisconsin
Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series The Business Series

The Affordable Care Act

This deep dive focuses on the Affordable Care Act, its impact on healthcare, and what's next. It can be used along with our Healthcare Reform Brief or as stand-alone reading material.

Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series The 2023 Series

The Federal Debt

High federal deficits and debts emerged in the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. Since the Great Recession, a more troubling phenomenon has emerged: persistent deficits even when the country is at peace and enjoying economic growth, leading to a constantly expanding national debt. Why are these annual deficits occurring year after year? What are the key contributing factors? If there is a way for our nation to reign in this out-of-control spending, what should be done, and who will it impact?

State Specific Information: Illinois
Part of the Conversation Series: Personal Finance Series The Foundational Series