Feb 22 2019
The Economic Impact of the Fashion Industry
Jan 25 2019
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney named Vice Chair Designate of the Joint Economic Committee
In the more than 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. laid out his dream for our nation, black Americans have made substantial economic progress. They have seen significant gains in incomes and wealth, and currently benefit from the decade-long economic recovery from the Great Recession. However, black Americans still lag far behind in key measures of economic well-being. Although progress is evident, the United States still falls short of Dr. King’s vision of a nation in which race does not determine one’s economic destiny.
Dec 19 2018
The National Cannabis Economy
The legalization of cannabis has significant implications for state economies, as well as the national economy. The industry totaled more than $8 billion in sales in 2017, with sales estimated to reach $11 billion this year and $23 billion by 2022. There were more than 9,000 active licenses for cannabis businesses in the U.S. in 2017, with the industry employing more than 120,000 people.
A federal judge’s decision to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA), if upheld, would increase the number of people without insurance by more than 17 million and raise premiums for those who are able to hang onto their coverage. As many as 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions could again be denied coverage or offered unaffordable insurance.
Dec 11 2018
Unlocking Millennial Homeownership
For millions of Americans, the promise of owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream. Homeownership provides an avenue for accumulating wealth, promotes financial security, and plays a critical role in the development of family and community life. Yet, nearly a decade since the Great Recession ended, owning a home remains out of reach for many millennials (defined as those roughly between the ages of 22 and 37).
Difficulty accessing affordable and high-quality child care puts a strain on family pocketbooks and well-being and can hinder child development. This is the case for far too many American families, especially in rural and lower-income areas. Three in five rural communities lack adequate child care options. Child care deserts are also associated with lower rates of maternal labor force participation. Participation rates among mothers with young children in child care deserts are roughly 3 percentage points lower than participation rates in neighborhoods with an adequate child care supply. Improving access to affordable high-quality early learning and care kills two birds with one stone: it promotes healthy child development and allows parents to remain in or enter the workforce.
Dec 03 2018
November Economic Snapshot of the States
Although the U.S. economy overall continues its expansion following the Great Recession and associated financial crisis, the recovery can look very different from state to state. The lion’s share of economic gains are not only concentrated at the top of the income and wealth distribution, but also in a small share of regions. While some parts of the country have surged ahead, millions of Americans in urban and rural communities are still waiting for their wages to start rising again and struggling to make ends meet.