Center on Budget and Policy Priorities[edit]

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a non-profit research and policy organization that focuses on policies affecting low- and moderate-income Americans. Founded in 1981, CBPP conducts research on federal and state budgets, social programs, and tax policies to ensure that the economic and social needs of vulnerable populations are met. The organization is known for providing analysis on fiscal policy, budget proposals, and the impact of various government policies on inequality, poverty, and economic opportunity.

History[edit]

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities was established in 1981 by Robert Greenstein as a response to concerns over the economic challenges facing low-income Americans during the Reagan administration. The organization’s original focus was on the federal budget, particularly addressing issues such as cuts to social safety nets and the growing income inequality in the U.S.

Over the years, CBPP has grown to include a broader focus on policy areas such as health care, education, social security, and housing, while maintaining a commitment to advocating for the needs of low-income families. CBPP's work has influenced policy debates on tax reform, health care reform, and poverty alleviation in the U.S.

Mission[edit]

The mission of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is to improve the economic and social well-being of low- and moderate-income individuals and families by producing evidence-based research and advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity and reduce inequality.

CBPP's work is grounded in the belief that a strong and equitable economy requires investments in education, health care, housing, and social programs that ensure people have the resources they need to succeed. The organization’s primary goal is to influence public policy to ensure that government actions benefit the most vulnerable members of society.

Research Areas and Programs[edit]

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities conducts research in several key areas related to economic policy and social justice:

**Federal and State Budget Policy**: CBPP analyzes the federal budget and provides recommendations for fiscal responsibility that protect essential programs for low- and moderate-income individuals. The organization advocates for budget policies that promote long-term economic stability and address issues such as deficit reduction and government spending.
**Health Care**: CBPP works on health care policy, particularly in relation to Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and other public health programs. The organization advocates for policies that expand access to affordable health care and ensure the protection of public health programs.
**Social Safety Net Programs**: CBPP conducts research on social safety net programs, including Social Security, unemployment insurance, food assistance (SNAP), and housing subsidies. The organization advocates for policies that strengthen these programs to reduce poverty and provide economic security for vulnerable populations.
**Tax Policy**: CBPP examines the impact of federal and state tax policies on low- and moderate-income families. The organization advocates for progressive tax policies that ensure a fairer distribution of resources and reduce inequality.
**Poverty and Economic Inequality**: CBPP focuses on issues related to poverty and income inequality, providing data and analysis on the root causes of economic disparities and the best policy approaches to address them. The organization advocates for increased economic opportunity for all Americans, particularly those who are disadvantaged.
**Education and Workforce Development**: CBPP works on policies that improve education and workforce opportunities for low-income individuals, including policies to increase access to affordable education and job training programs that enable upward mobility.
**Housing and Homelessness**: CBPP conducts research on housing policy, advocating for affordable housing initiatives and programs that support housing stability and prevent homelessness.

Leadership[edit]

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is led by a President and a Board of Trustees. The leadership team consists of experts in economics, public policy, and social justice, with a strong focus on addressing issues affecting low- and moderate-income communities.

As of March 2025, the President of CBPP is Sarah Ayres, who assumed the role in 2021. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to advocate for policies that address economic inequality, improve access to health care, and strengthen the social safety net.

Influence and Impact[edit]

CBPP is widely regarded as one of the leading think tanks in the United States when it comes to fiscal and social policy. Its research and policy recommendations are frequently cited by policymakers, advocates, and the media. The organization has played a key role in shaping policy debates on topics such as Medicaid expansion, health care reform, and the structure of the U.S. tax code.

The Center’s work is particularly influential in the context of federal budget debates, where its analysis of budget proposals helps to inform decisions on programs that impact millions of Americans. CBPP’s analysis of the economic impact of policy proposals is often used to counter arguments from conservative policymakers who advocate for budget cuts to social programs.

Publications and Media Outreach[edit]

CBPP produces a variety of publications and resources to inform policymakers, advocates, and the general public. These include:

**Policy Briefs and Reports**: CBPP regularly publishes in-depth reports and policy briefs that provide analysis of current policy issues, including federal and state budget policies, health care, tax policy, and social programs.
**The CBPP Blog**: The organization maintains a blog where its scholars provide timely commentary on current events, policy debates, and developments related to poverty, inequality, and fiscal policy.
**Data and Interactive Tools**: CBPP produces statistical analyses, charts, and interactive tools that help to explain the impact of policy decisions on low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
**Fact Sheets and Infographics**: The Center produces accessible fact sheets and infographics that simplify complex policy issues for the public, media, and policymakers.
**Media Appearances**: CBPP experts frequently appear in major media outlets such as *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, *NBC News*, and *PBS* to provide expert analysis and commentary on fiscal and social policy issues.

Funding and Independence[edit]

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a non-profit organization that is funded through grants from foundations, individual donations, and some government contracts. CBPP maintains its independence by ensuring that its research and policy recommendations are not influenced by political agendas or funding sources.

The organization is committed to transparency in its funding and ensures that its work remains objective and evidence-based, advocating for policies that benefit vulnerable populations regardless of political affiliation.

Criticism and Controversies[edit]

CBPP is highly regarded for its work, but it has faced criticism from conservative groups and some policymakers who disagree with its positions on government spending, social safety nets, and taxation. Critics argue that CBPP's policy recommendations often prioritize social welfare programs over deficit reduction and fiscal responsibility.

Despite these criticisms, CBPP defends its approach by emphasizing the importance of ensuring that low- and moderate-income Americans have access to the resources and services they need to succeed.

External Links[edit]

Official Website: [1](https://www.cbpp.org/)
CBPP on Twitter: [@CBPP](https://twitter.com/CBPP)
CBPP on YouTube: [2](https://www.youtube.com/user/CenteronBudget)

References[edit]