We work with states to advance fiscally sound, research-based sentencing and corrections policies and practices that protect public safety, hold offenders accountable and control costs.
We work to expand access to high-quality prekindergarten programs, including developing accountability systems for state pre-kindergarten programs, for all three- and four-year olds in the United States.
We partner with state and local election officials, the private sector and others to foster an election system that achieves the highest standards of accuracy, convenience, efficiency and security.
For more than a decade, we have been the nation’s premier source for comprehensive and independent information about state management. Our mission is to improve service to citizens by strengthening government policy and performance.
The Pew Center on the States conducts ground-breaking research in many areas of critical importance to state policymakers. Our research is tailored to help states make sound, data-driven policy choices.
The 50 states differ dramatically in how—and how well—they address critical policy issues, resulting in leaders and laggers.
Practically, for citizens, this means where they live matters a great deal about their quality of life.
Find out how the states fare.
The world is changing—that's no surprise. But the facts of just how the world is changing still have the power to startle—and elude us.
This is why the Pew Center on the States offers Trends to Watch, a project that seeks to help state policy makers, the media, and the general public follow the major trends shaping whether states thrive and track where the 50 states stand relative to each trend.
Got Talent?
Every state will need a highly-educated and highly-skilled workforce to compete in the 21st Century.
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Big Sort
The Big Sort is dividing states into winners and losers. It’s about migration—where people choose to live and work.
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Global Reality
Judging state economic success is not as easy as it once was. Now it’s crucial to look at productivity and income growth—not just people and jobs.
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Bills Coming Due
A stack of bills—especially on retirement benefits—is about to hit many states by surprise and force some painful funding decisions.
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New Work
With routine “left-brain” jobs moving overseas, now is a good time for states to focus on creative “right-brain” jobs.
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Green Wave
Global climate change is real. The states are likely to bear the brunt of it and they are leading the way in dealing with it.
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Big Science
Science is becoming a big factor in both quality of life and prosperity. States that foster “science literacy” among policy makers and citizens could have an edge.
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