The Bare Minimum Demands Project®
We're fighting for a short list of things people need to live. Nothing else.
01 — The idea
The US is one of the richest countries on earth, yet millions of us can't see a doctor, pay rent, afford food, or take a sick day.
The good news is, other rich countries and even some US states have already solved these problems. Our goal is to give all Americans access to those solutions.
We've created a list of demands compiled through thousands of 1-on-1 conversations conducted all across the country. Each demand is made up of a need and a fix that's already working somewhere else. Now we're presenting the list to candidates and asking one question: Will you fight for this, yes or no?
Then we support whoever says yes and help them get what they need to keep their word.
Everything else—party, ideology, culture wars—stays off the table.
If you're pushing for the list, you're on the team.
Anyone can use the list in their town, city, or state.
Only urgent needs. Only proven fixes.
Clear criteria keep side fights off the list.
02 — The list
But what about all the other things that need to be fixed?
Our theory (and our hope) is that if our communities can get these basics met, some of our other major problems will be solved or reduced, and we'll be in a better position to take on everything else in the same way that we, individually, can make better decisions and do better work when we're not sick, hungry, and worried about how our families are going to survive.
The need: No one should have to choose between rent and medical care.
The fix: Universal, single-payer coverage.
The US spends nearly twice what peer nations spend on health care — and has the lowest life expectancy among them. Commonwealth Fund
Meanwhile Massachusetts, post-reform, has the lowest uninsured rate in the nation. US Census
Already in place: Massachusetts, Canada, Germany, Japan, Taiwan
The need: Having a place to live shouldn't cost your whole paycheck.
The fix: Build more homes and cap rent spikes.
Half of US renter households — a record 22.4 million — spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Building more and capping spikes is how peer cities keep rents in check. Harvard JCHS
Already in place: Minneapolis, Oregon, Vienna, Japan
The need: Full-time work shouldn't leave you poor.
The fix: Universal minimum funds plus dividends from regional investments.
Economists studied 35+ years of Alaska's dividend and found "no effect on employment." People kept working; part-time work actually rose. NBER, Jones & Marinescu
Already in place: Alaska, Seattle, California, Australia
The need: No child in the richest country on earth should go hungry.
The fix: Free school meals for all kids and reliable food assistance programs.
The need: The list only gets funded if money is raised fairly.
The fix: Progressive taxes and hard limits on offshore hiding.
The IRS estimates roughly $600 billion in owed taxes goes unpaid every year — most of it at the top. Collecting what's already owed funds a lot of floor. IRS
Already in place: Massachusetts, Norway, OECD global minimum tax, 150+ countries (CRS)
03 — Accountability
Candidates who run under this banner make a pledge to their constituents, and we hold them to it.
Support is a loan, not a gift. Keep the promise, keep the support.
04 — Legislation
Lawmakers shouldn't start from a blank page. Model bills in progress — full text coming soon.
Universal health coverage, modeled on Massachusetts.
Caps sudden rent hikes; clears the way to build.
An annual check to every resident from shared public wealth.
A wage tied to local costs.
Free school meals for every student. No forms, no shame.
Progressive rates so top earners pay fairly.
Closes the loopholes used to dodge taxes.
A model pledge for electeds to disclose all funding.
05 — Action