Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

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Food Assistance

SNAP Tracker: People Are Losing Food Assistance as the Harmful 2025 Republican Reconciliation Law Is Implemented

October 22, 2026 - , ,  and
SNAP participation nationwide fell by 5.5 million people (13 percent) between the law’s July 2025 enactment and July 2026, based on the latest month of data.
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Economy

The Economy: Is It Bad? Well, It’s Not Good

October 22, 2026 -
Public sentiment about the economy reached historic lows in the first half of 2026, falling to levels typically seen during recessions. This was true whether consumers, businesses, or farmers were surveyed. While the economy may not be as bad as these surveys suggest, several key economic indicators did weaken in 2026, a trend that started in 2025.

Our Priorities

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Who We Are

Informing Debates, Shaping Policy, and Producing Results.

Over the last four decades, the Center has played a significant role, in collaboration with partners around the country, in major advances in economic and health security policies nationally and in states.

About UsOur State Policy Work

 

Our Research

Federal Budget

We analyze the President’s annual budget proposal and major congressional budget plans, focusing especially on programs for low- and moderate-income families.

Federal Tax

We analyze major tax proposals, examining their likely impact on the economy, on the nation’s fiscal health, and on the government’s ability to address critical national needs, especially over the long term.

State Budget and Tax

We analyze budget and tax policies and work with state officials and state-based nonprofits to develop policies that address the needs of families with low incomes.

Health

We work to ensure that all people have access to and can easily enroll in affordable health coverage.

Social Security

We examine Social Security’s effects on poverty and on particular demographic groups.

Economy

We examine how changes in the economy affect federal and state budgets, and how federal and state budget and tax proposals would affect economic growth.

Poverty and Inequality

We analyze economic developments affecting low- and moderate-income people, including trends in poverty and income inequality.

Food Assistance

We design and promote policies to make SNAP stronger, more accessible, and easier to administer.

Income Security

We research and analyze federal and state issues related to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and child support programs.

Housing

We work with state and local housing agencies and advocates to improve the effectiveness of federal low-income housing programs, and we study how well-designed housing assistance programs can advance such goals as reducing concentrations of poverty.

Climate Change

We work with national and state partners to direct the benefits of federal climate tax credits, loans, and grants to low-income communities.

Immigration

We work to reduce barriers and to preserve an immigration system that welcomes people of modest means seeking to join family and build a better life.

Governance

We focus on understanding and responding to changes affecting foundational federal systems — including budget execution, grantmaking, personnel policies, data privacy, and service delivery.

Special Projects

  • Beyond the Basics Logo

    Provides training and resources on eligibility guidelines and the enrollment process for health coverage.

  • State Priorities Partnership Logo

    Network of over 40 independent nonprofits, working to promote broad prosperity.

  • Get It Back Tax Credits Outreach Logo

    Promotes tax credits and free tax filing assistance for low- and moderate-income workers.