Aug 16 2021
Concentrated Corporate Power Is Holding Back Our Economy and Undermining Shared Prosperity
Evidence shows that increased corporate concentration over the past several decades has harmed small businesses, consumers and workers and reduced economic growth. Large corporations have swallowed up America’s small businesses at an unprecedented pace, and even as corporations earn record profits, the consolidation of corporate market power in the United States is associated with reduced investment and lower productivity.
In August 2021, the second round of monthly payments from the newly expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) hit families’ bank accounts. Over $15 billion was distributed to families across the United States, averaging $428 per qualifying family and reaching almost 61 million children. The number of children in families receiving the CTC grew by 1.6 million from July to August.
Aug 13 2021
Economic Update - August 13, 2021
Aug 10 2021
Protecting Renters from Eviction Can Both Keep Families Housed and Ensure an Equitable Economic Recovery
Eviction moratoria effectively keep families in their homes, and the CDC’s decision to bar evictions in counties with elevated COVID-19 transmission through October 3 will be a vital tool to protect public health. Federal, state and local policymakers must now step in with additional action to both keep families housed and distribute more of the nearly$47 billion in federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) before the ban expires.
Aug 06 2021
Economic Update - August 6, 2021
Unemployment Insurance (UI) has played a key role both in helping workers replace lost income and acting as a macroeconomic stabilizer since it was introduced during the Great Depression. In spite of decades of neglect, the program has repeatedly saved jobs and kept working Americans and their families out of poverty when they’ve lost a job through no fault of their own.
Aug 02 2021
Expanded Child Tax Credit Will Inject More Than $18.6 Billion Into Local Economies Each Month
In July 2021, monthly payments from the newly expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) started hitting families’ bank accounts. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) dramatically increased the value of the CTC, from $2,000 per child to up to $3,600 per child under six and $3,000 per child six and older. The ARP also expanded the CTC so that it is now fully refundable and previously ineligible low-income families will receive the full credit. Half of the expanded CTC will be distributed via monthly payments, helping families meet their financial needs in real time. The first round of monthly payments distributed nearly $15 billion to families across the United States, averaging $423 per qualifying family and reaching more than 59 million children.