The Century Foundation

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Confronting the true drivers of America's affordability crisis. Advancing bold solutions to lower costs. Policy for people—not powerful interests. tcf.org

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The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 6d

Big news: We're excited to welcome Ganesh Sitaraman as a trustee and Aya Ibrahim as a visiting senior fellow! Their experience and leadership will help strengthen TCF's work at a critical moment. Join us in welcoming them to The Century Foundation! 👏 tcf.org/content/abou...

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 6d

As the affordability crisis continues, more people with disabilities are being pushed toward predatory payday loans. Read our latest commentary w/@crlonline.bsky.social & @julianbondinst.bsky.social about why this is a disability justice issue and what policymakers can do: tcf.org/content/comm...

White text over a darkened photo of someone reviewing paperwork reads: "Payday loans promise quick relief but deliver lasting damage, trapping millions of Americans in a cycle of increasing financial hurt; and Americans with disabilities are disproportionately impacted, with 1.8 million recipients of SSI likely using payday loans, and with payday lenders draining $662 million annually from the disability community." The Century Foundation and Julian Bond Institute logos appear at the bottom.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 11d

As utilities expand the grid to meet soaring demand from AI data centers, too many families are having to foot the bill. TCF President @jmargetta.bsky.social joined NPR's Here and Now to discuss what's driving higher utility costs—and why policymakers need to protect consumers:

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 12d

In 41 states + D.C., child care for two kids costs more than rent or a mortgage. Over 600,000 people are on waiting lists just to get home care support. And right now, 29 states are getting an F on care overall. See how your state scored: go.tcf.org/CareReport26

Text reads "It's time for Congress to invest in child care, paid leave, home- and community-based services, and care workers now." Below, highlighted: "Families cannot afford further delay." Background image shows a child sleeping on a caregiver's shoulder. Text box reads "A 2026 Care Report Card from The Century Foundation + Caring Across Generations."

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 12d

Where you live shouldn't determine whether you can afford child care, take paid leave, or access long-term care. Our new report with @caringacross.org grades every state's care policies—and shows where progress is happening despite the Trump administration's cuts: go.tcf.org/CareReport26

Text reads "Progress in care is happening in several states. But federal cuts are putting that progress at risk." Below: "Most states have been improving their child care, paid leave, home care, and support for care workers—yet 29 states are still falling behind, and families are being squeezed as federal funding gets pulled back." Background image shows a home care worker helping an older adult from behind, with a child's shoes visible on a bench nearby. Text box reads "A 2026 Care Report Card from The Century Foundation + Caring Across Generations." Century Foundation and Caring Across Generations logos at bottom.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 15d

Trump's tariffs, rising oil prices, and cuts to food assistance are creating a back-to-school affordability crisis. Families are paying more for supplies, groceries, gas, and clothing — and 1.5 million children have lost SNAP benefits, putting free school meals further out of reach.

"Table titled 'School's Back. So Are High Prices: Price hikes on popular school supplies and lunch items,' comparing 2025 and 2026 prices. School supplies: lunch box $14.91 to $18.91 (26.8% increase), one-subject notebooks $4.00 to $4.92 (23%), index cards $3.16 to $3.86 (22.2%), notebook paper $0.90 to $1.08 (20%), tissues $2.50 to $3.00 (20%), scissors $3.58 to $4.08 (14%), dry-erase markers $4.59 to $4.98 (8.5%), glue sticks $7.14 to $7.68 (7.6%). Lunch box staples: blueberries (12 oz.) $3.31 to $4.89 (47.7%), sandwich bread $3.58 to $4.36 (21.8%), apple juice $3.45 to $4.14 (20%), oranges (1 lb.) $1.64 to $1.92 (17.1%), animal crackers $5.61 to $6.49 (15.7%), chocolate chip cookies $4.79 to $5.46 (14%), deli ham (1 lb.) $12.86 to $14.47 (12.5%), deli turkey (1 lb.) $14.16 to $15.84 (11.9%). The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with a link to go.tcf.org/schoolshopping for full methodology."

"Graphic titled 'Trump's Tax on School Supplies: Many popular back-to-school items up more than 20% under Trump.' Shows a green lunch box with an apple, orange, and sandwich labeled 'Lunch box, 27% higher'; a stack of index cards labeled 'Index cards, 22% higher'; and a red spiral notebook labeled 'Notebooks, 23% higher.' The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with a link to go.tcf.org/schoolshopping for full analysis."

"Graphic with large text '$3,820' and caption: 'Under Trump, packing a healthy lunch will cost families nearly $4,000 this school year—$375 higher than last year.' A green arrow points to a photo of a bento box lunch containing cucumber slices, cheese, bell peppers, and a fork and spoon. The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with a link to go.tcf.org/schoolshopping."

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 15d

NEW: The 2026–27 school year will cost families nearly $4,000 per child — nearly 11% more than last year. New analysis from @groundwork.bsky.social and TCF shows rising prices for school supplies, groceries, clothing, and transportation are squeezing families. Read more: tcf.org/content/comm...

"Photo of colored pencils and a pen tucked into a yellow canvas backpack pocket. Text reads: 'Pencils down, prices up. Back-to-school staples and lunch items are up nearly 11% under Trump—costing families close to $4,000 this year.' The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with a link to go.tcf.org/schoolshopping."

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 19d

Energy costs are rising, and families are feeling the squeeze. On @npr.org's Here & Now, TCF President Julie Morgan explains how Trump's policies, including tariffs and cuts to energy assistance programs like LIHEAP, are driving up costs and creating uncertainty for households:

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 21d

Whether you’re caring for someone now, thinking about caregiving in your future, or just trying to take care of yourself, you have something to say about care. Join @caringacross.org in shaping a new vision for care in America: caringacross.formstack.com/forms/1_mill...

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 21d

Imagine working an extra 6 months just to earn what someone else made last year. That's the reality Black women face today. On Black Women's Equal Pay Day, TCF's Michaela Minnis and Michelle LaVere explain why the wage gap won't close on its own, and what policymakers can do:

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· 21d

Utility bills are rising faster than families can keep up. NEW: Our analysis with @protectborrowers.bsky.social shows energy prices have risen 3x faster than inflation since Trump returned to office, pushing more households into overdue utility debt. Read more: tcf.org/content/repo...

A photo of a single-family home at dusk with the porch light glowing. Text reads: "Power Failure. Energy bills are soaring, and more families are falling behind." Additional text explains that new analysis from The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers finds energy costs are outpacing inflation, driving up debt and squeezing families across the country. A yellow button says, "Swipe for key findings."

A sunset photo of electrical transmission towers. Text states that energy prices are rising three times faster than inflation under Trump. It says the average monthly energy bill has reached $280, up 12 percent since the end of 2024—about three times the overall inflation rate during the same period. Footer includes The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers logos and a link to the full report.

A U.S. map shaded to show increases in average energy costs by state. Text explains that average energy costs have increased by more than 20 percent in ten states since the end of 2024, with Montana up 52 percent and New Hampshire up 31 percent. Footer includes The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers logos and a link to the full report.

"Bar chart titled 'Energy debt isn't just hitting low-income families.' Text explains that since the end of 2024, overdue balances for middle-income families have grown twice as fast as for the lowest-income households, signaling that rising energy costs are squeezing families who were previously keeping up. Chart shows average overdue utility bill growth: Middle-income (subprime) up 13.6%, Near-prime up 12.6%, Lowest-income (deep subprime) up 6.9%. Footer: The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers logos, with text 'Learn how Trump is raising energy prices and fueling debt at go.tcf.org/PowerFailure.'"

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 30

This Fourth of July, the price tag for a barbecue is high enough to discourage many families from celebrating altogether. @groundwork.bsky.social and @tcfdotorg.bsky.social has found that staples like ground beef and popsicles are up more than 20 percent in just one year: tcf.org/content/comm...

Flat-lay photo of grill tools (spatula, fork, tongs) and a small American flag on a red-and-white checkered picnic tablecloth. Text overlay reads "Backyard Barbecue Blues: Under Trump, many July 4th staples are up 20%—nearly 5x overall inflation." The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with the link go.tcf.org/July4.

Photo collage of a cheeseburger with an American flag toothpick, a bowl of potato salad, and a green ice pop. Text reads "Trump's Tax on America's Birthday: How much your 4th of July cookout went up this year," with callouts showing potato salad 23% higher, ice pops 22% higher, and ground beef 20% higher. The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with the link go.tcf.org/July4.

Table titled "Under Trump, many 4th of July staples up over 20% since last year," set against a blurred American flag background with sparklers. The table lists 14 staples with their 2026 price, 2025 price, and percent increase: prepared potato salad (23.0%), Magnum ice pops (22.3%), ground beef (20.3%), disposable forks (20.0%), Driscoll's strawberries (19.8%), Reynolds aluminum foil (17.6%), canned cherry pie filling (14.4%), Ball Park beef hot dogs (13.2%), prepared cole slaw (12.9%), bagged ice (12.8%), Tyson chicken drumsticks (12.5%), Johnsonville bratwursts (12.0%), Frito-Lay flavored tortilla chips (11.8%), and SPF 50 spray sunscreen (8.0%). The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos appear at the bottom with a link to go.tcf.org/July4 for the full list and methodology.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 25

At the Senate Banking Committee's affordability hearing this past week, TCF President @jmargetta.bsky.social laid out exactly who's benefitting from the Trump Administration's actions— and it's NOT working families. Watch her exchange with Senator Warnock:

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 23

NEW: Polling from @tcfdotorg.bsky.social and Morning Consult finds that healthcare costs are forcing Americans into impossible choices. Voters are ready for healthcare reforms that lower costs. What do they want policymakers to do about it? Find out here: tcf.org/content/comm...

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 18

When corporations engage in wage theft, fraud, and predatory practices, New Yorkers pay the price. Part 3 of "Affordable NYC Now", with @protectborrowers.bsky.social, lays out steps the city can take to crack down on corporate abuse and put working people first: protectborrowers.org/resource/aff...

Graphic with the hashtag “#AffordableNYCNow” at the top. Large white text on a dark blue background reads: “It’s time for NYC to lower costs, hold corporations accountable, and make government work for New Yorkers.” Several key phrases are underlined in red. The logos for Protect Borrowers and The Century Foundation appear at the bottom. The design uses a dark blue, white, and red color palette.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 17

Gas prices are up 43% since Trump's war with Iran began. TCF's @angelanhanks.bsky.social breaks down how that ripples into everything else, and why no one is immune from a president who's determined to jack up energy prices on working families. Watch:

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 12

“We want there to be a clear answer for everybody in NYC, that government can do the things that they say they're going to do, and that it can make life better.” Last month, @juliesulabor.bsky.social spoke to us about how City Hall can turn affordability promises into real results for New Yorkers.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 10

The Trump administration is withholding Medicaid funding from states in the name of fighting fraud. But former state health officials argue that there's a better way to approach it: partner with states to target bad actors and protect care, rather than being punitive. Watch:

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 8

Infographic with a red clipboard icon citing new Morning Consult polling: 69% of registered voters support a universal maternal health system at no out-of-pocket cost, including 57% of Republicans.

Graphic outlining four components of a new maternal healthcare system: free prenatal and postpartum care, more birth centers in every county, care driven by need over profit, and wraparound support through a child's second birthday.

A person with dark hair lies in a hospital bed smiling down at their newborn. Text asks: "What would it take to guarantee every pregnant person in America high-quality maternity care?" with a CTA to read the full report.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 8

69% of Americans — including 57% of Republicans — support universal maternal healthcare at no out-of-pocket cost. The demand for a new system is here. So what's the hold-up? Learn about TCF's vision for what universal maternal healthcare could look like: tcf.org/content/comm...

A Black healthcare provider in a white coat gently places their hand on a patient's pregnant belly. Bold white text reads: "Most Americans support universal maternal healthcare. What could it look like?"

A pregnant person lies on an exam table during an ultrasound, with a partner at their side and a nurse operating the device. Text reads: "The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other wealthy nation. Yet many families are unable to access care where they live and find themselves in debt after delivery."

Infographic with a red illustrated baby icon. Text states the average cost of labor and delivery is $15,712, and that 2 in 5 Americans carry medical debt — with postpartum women 1.5x more likely to carry it.

Illustrated map of the U.S. split into pink and red halves. Text reads: "1 in 3 U.S. counties have no obstetric care providers or facilities at all," attributed in part to corporate management and private equity.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Jun 4

Corporations are driving up costs for New Yorkers through wage theft, predatory business practices, and more. Today, @tcfdotorg.bsky.social and @protectborrowers.bsky.social released Part 2 of #AffordableNYCNow: ideas the Administration can use now to protect working families and small businesses.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· May 28

We asked policymakers, advocates, and community members: what’s driving the affordability crisis in NYC, and what would it actually take to make our city affordable? From Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice @juliesulabor.bsky.social to Manhattan DA @alvinbraggnyc.bsky.social, here’s what they said.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· May 25

Got travel plans this summer? In Trump’s economy, it’ll cost you. Here’s what it might cost you to get to your sunny destination— and how tariffs and the war with Iran will affect the bill for what you eat when you arrive.

Graphic titled “A Summer Bummer: How Trump’s economy is grounding holiday travel plans.” Against a background of a melting ice cream cone on pavement, three red upward arrows highlight rising costs: airfare up 21% from last year, gas up 51% since the Iran war began, and BBQ staples up 13% from last year. The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative logos and a website link appear at the bottom.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· May 22

New York is in a deep affordability crisis, and families are feeling it every day. Yesterday, we brought together policymakers, advocates, and experts to launch “Affordable NYC Now,” sharing new data and new ideas to lower costs across the city.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· May 21

For too many New York families, just getting by gets harder and harder. Today, @protectborrowers.bsky.social and The Century Foundation are launching “Affordable NYC Now" to show how NYC can directly lower costs, strengthen public systems, and hold corporations accountable.

Graphic titled "Affordable NYC Now: 7 Ideas to Lower Costs for New Yorkers," published by The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers. A person with long curly hair holds a young child facing the New York City skyline. The footer reads: "Read the full proposals at go.tcf.org/AffordableNYCNow."

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· May 21

Before you fire up the grill this Memorial Day weekend, learn about how Trump’s tariffs are jacking up the cost of the corn and bratwurst on your plate. (Spoiler: you’ll probably have to shell out more than you budgeted for your cookout.)

Infographic titled "Grilling Americans' Wallets: Price Hikes on Popular Memorial Day Staples," published by The Century Foundation and Groundwork Collaborative. A table compares 2025 and 2026 prices for 13 common Memorial Day items. Yellow corn (6 ears) saw the steepest increase at 98%, rising from $2.97 to $5.90. Apple pie (store bakery) increased 37% to $7.62. Johnsonville Bratwursts rose 28% to $4.79. Key lime pie (store bakery) increased 24% to $10.99. Tomatoes, ground beef (1lb), and disposable plasticware each increased around 20%. Martin's Rolls, iceberg lettuce, seedless watermelon (15lb), Coca-Cola (1 case), Ketchup (Kraft Heinz), and hot dogs (Kraft Beef) rose between 12% and 19%. The footer reads: "For more common summer items and methodology, visit go.tcf.org/MemorialDay."

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· May 7

From our new report with @borrowerjustice.bsky.social: New auto loans and cars themselves are more expensive than ever—and interest rates are rising. We've allowed cars to become debt traps for millions of families.

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Apr 13

What would a maternal health system rooted in justice and joy look like? ▶️Care centered on compassion. ▶️Birth without debt. ▶️Choices without barriers. #BMHW26

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Mar 30

NEW: Faces at The Century Foundation! We're welcoming five new visiting senior fellows to help bolster our work on affordability and the research that brings the struggles working families face to decision makers in Washington and beyond. Here's who's joining ⏩

The Century Foundation@tcfdotorg· Mar 26

Families are falling further and further behind and yet the Trump administration has nothing to offer them but a $1 billion a day war that Americans don't want.