An Overview of Pew's State Policy Work

The Pew Charitable Trusts is a reliable source of expertise and nonpartisan research on a wide range of state policy issues. Drawing from this research, Pew helps state lawmakers advance sound, data-driven policies and practices to address pressing challenges. Below are some of Pew’s areas of expertise that may be relevant to your work.

Broadband expansion

As unprecedented federal funding for broadband flows to states, high-speed internet access for all Americans has never been more achievable. Pew’s research and technical assistance can help states identify and adopt evidence-based strategies to effectively administer federal funds and accelerate progress toward universal, affordable broadband connectivity.

Conservation, mitigation, and adaptation

Pew’s state-based conservation work aims to advance policies that protect U.S. public lands and rivers, conserve marine life, and make communities more resilient to natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. Pew works with partners to craft science-based, nonpartisan, and innovative policy solutions to help people, nature, and communities thrive. Pew is also beginning a new focus on energy modernization policies.

Fiscal and economic policy

Pew provides data, analysis, and guidance to policymakers on a range of fiscal and economic issues to help state leaders manage uncertainty, adapt quickly when crises arise, and ensure that their budgets are balanced over the long term. This work includes helping lawmakers better manage revenues and expenditures and ensure that public pensions are financially sound for current and future workers, retirees, and taxpayers.

Health

Over the years, Pew has worked on a wide range of health policy challenges, including improving substance use prevention and treatment and addressing antibiotic resistance. In recent years, Pew has expanded its health research to examine and identify how to reduce the risk of suicide and employ data to advance Americans’ well-being.

Housing, labor, and education

Pew studies ways to increase retirement savings, reduce the impacts of harmful financial products such as payday loans, lessen the risks associated with alternative home financing arrangements, and improve the financing and management of student loans. Pew aims to ensure that all Americans have access to a safe, affordable consumer financial marketplace.

Safety and justice

Since 2005, Pew and its partners have conducted research and provided technical assistance that protect public safety and reduce correctional populations and costs. More recently, Pew has worked to improve outcomes in the civil legal justice system and help emergency response systems better meet the needs of people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

To stay apprised of Pew’s state work, sign up for our State Policy Update, Burden of Proof, or The Ledger newsletters. Find a full list of Pew’s newsletters here.

Pew experts are always happy to respond to individual inquiries. If you’d like to connect with a Pew expert, please contact [email protected]