Our progress updates bring you the news filtered through a results-focused lens. We ask: Has the event, action, or utterance changed anything? In particular, has it contributed tangibly to resolving any of the problems that we focus on here? Our reports demonstrate progress towards a solution – or regrettably, a regression from possible resolution. If our editors do not agree that the event, action, or utterance has moved the needle of progress one way or the other, then it won’t be reported here.
Threat to Democracy Coming Into Focus
More Americans are recognizing that their choice at the ballot box this fall is between continuing as a country governed by a democratically chosen majority and giving away that right to a party dominated by people who no longer respect election results or our democratic institutions.
No Central Command in Battle Against Anti-Democracy Candidates
Hundreds of election deniers are running for office. With the integrity of our elections once again at stake in November, efforts to thwart the forces that would destroy what's left of our democratic foundation are hampered by the lack of a clear, coordinated battle plan.
Can the Army of Anti-Democracy Republicans Be Stopped?
A record number of opponents of fair elections are being recruited to run for office, administer elections, and mount election challenges. At this point, the quest to prevent Republican victory at the polls has ceased being a partisan mission and become instead a constitutional imperative.
Telehealth Coverage Extended
In a win for the millions of patients who took advantage of telehealth services authorized for coverage during the pandemic, Congress extended and expanded those services for another five months and will evaluate them for more permanent coverage.
Ten Years After Passage, Affordable Care Act Proves Resilient
The ACA survived a decade of attacks and active efforts to undermine its ability to give more people more affordable access to healthcare. Fortunately so for the millions who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
A Glimmer of Hope for Ending Debt Limit Showdowns
The next vote on paying the nation’s bills will be after the ’22 election, creating an opening for a campaign about the country’s soaring national debt – and discussion about how to depoliticize the borrowing cap that funds it.
Mainers Again Flex Their Independence to Protect Their Vote
A ballot initiative to ban foreign money from influencing state elections and support an amendment to the US Constitution to regulate campaign spending reflects Maine’s continuing role as a laboratory for voting reforms aimed at strengthening the power and voice of local citizens.
Medicare Model Helps States Control Costs – Within Limits
Following innovation of a Medicare-style pricing model for the Montana state employee health system, other states have achieved varying degrees of success.
Projections for Building Back Better Expose a Clear Fiscal Choice
While fueling progress on climate change, access to healthcare, and income inequality, the Biden plan would add to record debt. If it passes, how will voters make responsible budgeting an issue next year?
Nashville Handicapped in Fighting Climate Change
Despite important progress on emissions reduction and climate adaptation, Tennessee’s biggest city lacks support from key players and has yet to go all-in to meet its climate change goals.
Desire to Respond to Climate Change Takes Lake Oswego Only So Far
Despite strong civic engagement, the city of Lake Oswego will need to overcome limited municipal resources, state bureaucracy, and the absence of federal leadership to more effectively adapt to climate change
Is Now the Time to Expand Medicare?
President Biden’s proposal to add three new benefits ignores concerns over looming Medicare insolvency and our historically high national debt.
