High angle helicopter shot of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. at twilight on a clear evening in Fall, with Pennsylvania Avenue beyond.
Topic

Improve Federal Policy

Overview

Nonpartisan, fact-based improvements in federal policy can create jobs, lower costs, and help the nation prepare for the future. When our research shows that small changes can have a big impact, we work across party lines to improve national challenges like housing affordability, internet access, energy reliability, and health care.

We also study the partnership that exists between national and state governments, finding best practices and analyzing how federal decisions affect state budgets.

Featured

Methodone administration
Programas de tratamiento del trastorno por consumo de opioides: un componente clave del sistema de tratamiento

Los tratamientos más eficaces para el trastorno por consumo de opioides (OUD, por sus siglas en inglés) son los tres medicamentos de venta con receta aprobados por la Administración Nacional de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los EE. UU.

prescription for Suboxone
Las políticas deberían promover el acceso a la buprenorfina para tratar el trastorno por consumo de opioides

Alrededor de 1,6 millones de estadounidenses padecen trastorno por consumo de opioides (OUD, por sus siglas en inglés), y la crisis de sobredosis ha empeorado en los últimos años, con un alza de los índices de mortalidad por sobredosis de opioides, según datos preliminares de 2019 y 2020

Syringes
Los programas de distribución de jeringas pueden mejorar la salud pública durante la crisis de sobredosis de opioides

En la última década, los intentos por abordar la crisis de sobredosis en los EE. UU. conllevaron políticas de prescripción de opioides más restrictivas, las cuales disminuyeron la disponibilidad general de opioides de venta con receta. Esto ocasionó, en forma involuntaria, un aumento del uso de drogas ilícitas, como la heroína.

Tratamiento del trastorno por consumo de opioides en cárceles y prisiones

El tratamiento más efectivo para las personas con trastorno por consumo de opioides (OUD, por sus siglas en inglés) incluye el uso de medicamentos aprobados por la Administración Nacional de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los EE. UU. (FDA, por sus siglas en inglés): metadona, buprenorfina y naltrexona. A pesar de la evidencia que indica que este abordaje, conocido como “medicamentos para el trastorno por consumo de opioides” (MOUD, por sus siglas en inglés), reduce las recaídas y salva vidas, la vasta mayoría de cárceles y prisiones no ofrece este tratamiento. Este informe examina qué aspectos deben considerar los miembros de las legislaturas al analizar cuál es la mejor forma de manejar el OUD en poblaciones encarceladas.

Quién participa, y quién no

Muchos trabajadores en los Estados Unidos de América están preocupados pensando que no contarán con suficiente dinero para la jubilarse; teniendo en cuenta el envejecimiento de la población del país, la continua disminución de la disponibilidad de las pensiones tradicionales y la preocupación existente sobre el futuro que correrá el Seguro Social.

Fact of the Matter

73%
DECLINE IN HOME LOANS
for applicants with credit scores between 601 and 660 occurred from 2000 to 2025.
$55B
IN FEDERAL FUNDING
was provided for U.S. water infrastructure from fiscal 2022 through 2026.
$46.2B
IN NEEDED REPAIRS
was estimated across national parks, forests, and other federal facilities in 2025.
13
U.S. STATES
received more revenue from the federal government than from any other source in 2024.
50%
LOWER MORTALITY
is associated with methadone treatment for people with opioid use disorder.
2.5M
MISSING SRO UNITS
could accommodate about three times the number of people experiencing homelessness today.

OUR WORK

Our Work

Professional psychologist doctor listening and giving the consult to female patients

Good health is important to everyone. Pew conducts research and provides information and fact-based recommendations to state agencies, hospitals, researchers, and other health partners to help them provide better care. We find and share evidence-based practices to improve Americans’ health and well-being, including services that can prevent suicide, improve mental health care, and treat substance use disorder.

Bustleton Free Library in Philadelphia, PA, on Thursday September 12 2024.

Communities throughout the country share common needs: affordable connections to broadband Internet, modern and reliable energy infrastructure, effective responses to mental health challenges, and ways to resolve legal disputes more quickly and fairly. To address these issues, Pew collaborates with states and local governments to find and promote evidence-based solutions that help provide stability and opportunity.

High angle helicopter shot of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. at twilight on a clear evening in Fall, with Pennsylvania Avenue beyond.

Nonpartisan, fact-based improvements in federal policy can create jobs, lower costs, and help the nation prepare for the future. When our research shows that small changes can have a big impact, we work across party lines to improve national challenges like housing affordability, internet access, energy reliability, and health care.

Economic opportunity is the foundation of American society. Pew supports national, state, and local efforts to expand opportunity and promote financial well-being. Our work helps people pay off student loans, navigate court proceedings such as debt collection, buy or rent a home, access affordable internet, and save for their retirement.

The House Chamber at the Kentucky State Capitol is shown as the legislature tries to wrap up its session

States and cities are the “laboratories of democracy” in America—the places where lawmakers and governors look for new ways to help their communities succeed. Whether in Pew’s hometown of Philadelphia or any of the 50 state capitals, we help elected leaders respond to the needs of their citizens, use public dollars wisely, fix outdated policies, and build a better future for all.

A view of steep cliff, grand canyon and Colorado river from Toroweap overlook.

Conserving natural spaces conveys benefits far beyond the gains to wildlife and their habitats. As scores of studies show, protecting and restoring lands and waters, particularly when done in close partnership with local communities, also improves people’s lives—and local economies—by increasing tourism and outdoor recreation.