Renewable energy is rapidly gaining market share in America’s electricity markets. In 2017, renewable energy sources were used to produce nearly one-fifth (17 percent) of the electricity generated in the United States. This is almost twice the market share renewables had in 2008 (9 percent). And this is just the start, as renewables are projected to continue to grow and take market share from more traditional energy sources.
Sep 25 2018
Credit Scores: What They Are and Why They Matter
Sep 24 2018
September 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.
Sep 20 2018
Rebuilding Puerto Rico's Grid
Hurricanes Irma and Maria shattered Puerto Rico a year ago, leaving behind widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. In addition to the devastating human toll, the storms devastated the already crumbling infrastructure on the island, particularly the aged electrical power grid. Reliable electric power is foundational to a well-functioning society and to long-term economic growth. In most parts of the United States, it is easy to take for granted the security that comes from dependable electricity. In Puerto Rico, however, Americans are still struggling to access reliable electricity a year after Hurricane Maria wiped out power across the island—the longest blackout in U.S. history.
Sep 19 2018
Puerto Rico: One Year After Hurricane Maria
Sep 11 2018
Supporting Children is Key to a Strong Economy
For too many families who are struggling financially, the American Dream seems out of reach. When families cannot make ends meet, children grow up without the resources they need to thrive later in life. Federal investments addressing child poverty set future generations up for success and fuel a strong, vibrant economy.
Jul 31 2018
July 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.
Jul 27 2018
Medicare: Protecting Seniors and Families
Medicare is one of the success stories of the last half century. Since its passage in 1965, Medicare has facilitated the near-universal health coverage of the elderly population in America and the dramatic decline in their poverty rate. With Medicare’s help, seniors are able
to access the high-quality care they need while minimizing strain on their pocketbooks. Today, more than 58 million seniors and people with disabilities are able to live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
to access the high-quality care they need while minimizing strain on their pocketbooks. Today, more than 58 million seniors and people with disabilities are able to live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
In the wake of today’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) release, it is important to remember that large gains for a small group can keep total income growing, even while many or even most Americans see their incomes stagnate or shrink. Republicans will likely trumpet this as a sign that the tax cuts are working to improve the economy for all Americans. But it is important to think about what it actually does, and doesn’t, tell us about the economy. GDP is a measure of the total income generated in a year by the U.S. economy, but the whole doesn't always tell us enough about the parts.
Jul 18 2018
Why the Fed Matters
The Federal Reserve (Fed) plays a critical, but largely hidden, role in the day-to-day life of every family in America. When you fill up your gas tank and stock up on groceries for the week, the prices you see are in part shaped by the Fed’s policies. When you cut your landlord a rent check each month, the Fed’s payment services help ensure your check clears on time. And when you’re finally ready to buy your first home, the Fed influences the mortgage rates you’re offered and even whether you’re likely to have a steady and well-paying job to afford that mortgage. From our most basic daily transactions to our most important financial decisions, the Fed has a tremendous impact on the economic livelihoods of Main Street and Wall Street alike.