Benefit-Cost Analysis

With support from Robin Hood, our benefit-cost research examines the long-term benefits to society—for example, better health, education, and employment outcomes and reduced spending on health, child welfare, and criminal justice systems— generated from public investments in children and how these compare to program costs. We leverage a rigorous evidence base to estimate the value of benefits that result from cash programs, such as an expanded Child Tax Credit or a child allowance and paid leave, and near-cash programs, such as child care or education assistance. As new studies emerge, we will update our model and methods accordingly. We conduct benefit-costs analyses of policies at the federal and state level and within New York City.