Brand color tokens fail WCAG contrast on CTAs and small labels

[MaxGhenis]

Summary

Shared PolicyEngine color tokens currently fail WCAG AA contrast in several production surfaces, especially white text on teal CTAs and small teal helper/label text on white.

Confirmed examples

• http://localhost:3000/us
  • primary CTA with white text on teal background
• http://localhost:3000/us/research
  • teal button styling
• http://localhost:3001/us/reports/create
  • small uppercase teal labels and muted helper text on white

Evidence

In the audit pass, Lighthouse measured the main teal/white pairing around 3.5:1, which is below the required 4.5:1 for normal text.

Relevant code

• packages/design-system/src/tokens/colors.ts
  • primary[500] = #319795
• dependent website and calculator CTA / label styling uses this shared token family

Expected

Default interactive colors and small-text tokens should meet WCAG AA where they are used for normal text.

Actual

The current token set is being reused in contexts where contrast is too low.

Suggested direction

• introduce an accessibility-safe action token for normal text/buttons
• reserve lighter brand tones for large display use only
• audit small text that uses teal or light gray tokens