Pay gap between men and women: What the research says
Research shows that the pay gap in the U.S. narrowed in the 1980s and 1990s as women gained work and educational experience, but the gap persists today and has not changed much in recent years.
2020 Democratic Proposals JR Guide
The JR Guide to the 2020 Democratic Policy Proposals
In the lead-up to the 2020 elections, the Journalist’s Resource team is combing through the Democratic presidential candidates’ platforms and reporting what the research says about their policy proposals. We want to encourage deep coverage of these proposals — and to do our part to help deter horse race journalism, which research suggests can lead to inaccurate reporting and an uninformed electorate. We’re focusing on proposals that have a reasonable chance of becoming policy, and for us that means at least 3 of the 5 top-polling candidates say they intend to tackle the issue.
Expert Commentary
Carbon pricing: What the research says
Carbon pricing schemes are widely portrayed in the economic literature as an effective way to reduce carbon emissions and curb rising global temperatures.
Expert Commentary
Gun buybacks: What the research says
Gun buybacks allow gun owners to trade their firearms to government entities — usually law enforcement — no questions asked. Do they reduce gun violence? Here’s what the research says.
Expert Commentary
Raising public school teacher pay: What the research says
While bigger paychecks don’t guarantee greater job satisfaction, academic studies indicate that when teacher earnings rise, school districts and students can benefit in a range of ways.
Expert Commentary
Paid family leave: What the research says
A quarter century of research finds paid parental leave can offer physical and mental health benefits for parents and children.
Expert Commentary
‘Free-college’ and ‘tuition-free’ programs: What the research says
While many politicians argue eliminating tuition will help more Americans go to college, studies show the results of “free college” programs differ according to their scope and structure.
Expert Commentary
Addressing the opioid epidemic: What the research says
Here’s what the research says about the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates’ various proposals to address the opioid epidemic.
Expert Commentary
Universal background checks and gun permits: What the research says
Federal law doesn’t require background checks for private gun sales. Many 2020 Democrats favor background checks for all gun purchases. Can universal background checks curb gun violence? Here’s what the research says.
Expert Commentary
Raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour: What the research says
Nearly every 2020 Democratic candidate polling above half a percentage point nationally supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. Most research finds small job losses from minimum wage hikes.
Expert Commentary