Ellen is the Senior Vice President for Government Affairs for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.  Since 1984, she has directed the Center's work with federal policymakers and with other national organizations on a broad range of policy issues. These include federal budget and tax issues (with a particular focus on refundable tax credits for low-income working families), Medicaid and health care, nutrition programs, and other critical policies.Regarded as one of the leading legislative directors among non-profit organizations in Washington, Ellen assists a broad array of both national and state organizations and coalitions, providing information on key policy developments in Congress and the Executive Branch, strategic guidance, and communications planning for their work on key federal policies.  She also gives speeches regularly at conferences and conducts briefings for policymakers.Ellen is frequently sought out by journalists at prominent news outlets covering legislative and budget developments for analysis and commentary on congressional developments.