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Joint Economic Committee Democrats

Reports & Issue Briefs

Sep 27 2017

The Benefits of a Connected America

To ensure that all Americans have access to resources that can help them thrive in a digital world, Congress must focus on expanding access to broadband internet and work to close the digital divides. Expanding broadband internet access connects people and information across the world, opening up previously unavailable economic, educational, and health care opportunities for Americans – particularly among those with limited access communities.

Sep 27 2017

America's Digital Divide

Our economy is increasingly becoming dependent on access to high-speed internet connections. Access to the internet brings unprecedented economic opportunities for users, especially for people living in remote areas, for whom the internet opens a window to the world. The internet, and access to it, has changed our world in such a profound way that for many people, life without it is unimaginable.

Sep 22 2017

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 18 2017

The American Workforce Deserves a Better Deal on Jobs

Democrats’ A Better Deal plan will open new opportunities for millions of Americans to get back into the labor force and connect with good-paying jobs. While the low headline unemployment rate in 2017 suggests that the U.S. economy is operating at full employment—the maximum rate thought not to spark inflation—a closer analysis of the labor market data reveals that millions of Americans have fallen to the wayside.

Sep 14 2017

High-Quality Early Learning and Care Drives Lifelong Success

Ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed is the bedrock of the American Dream. A high-quality education that starts early and continues into adulthood enables students to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the modern economy. Unfortunately, many children today are starting off behind and entering kindergarten classrooms with little or no formal education. For these children, catching up to their peers can be a lifelong struggle.

Sep 01 2017

August Economic Snapshot of the States

Since taking office more than seven months ago, the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans have failed to provide a credible plan to create good paying jobs and increase wages for America’s workers—it is evident in the August economic snapshot of states. The economic uncertainty created and fueled by this administration’s unprecedented dysfunction, despite controlling two branches of government, is stalling what had been resurgent wage growth that reached 3.9 percent in November 2016 for the median U.S. worker.

Sep 01 2017

On-Call, Without Pay

On-call scheduling also makes it more difficult to plan for child care, elder care, transportation and other arrangements that would allow employees to go to work while balancing their other responsibilities. Being required to call in an hour before their shift to see if they are needed prevents workers from doing anything else with their day, including furthering their education or seeking wages elsewhere.

Aug 21 2017

National Monuments Support Local Economies Fact Sheets

These fact sheets focus on the economic benefits of national monuments to their surrounding communities ahead of the Trump administration’s decision to propose removing designation in whole or in part from national monuments. The fact sheets include newly designated national monuments, marine national monuments, and others under review.

Aug 02 2017

Expanding Registered Apprenticeships

Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a fact sheet on increasing access to registered apprenticeships and quality work-based learning programs. By doubling federal investments in apprenticeship programs, millions of Americans could fill the middle and high-skilled jobs openings that exist today and in the future. Despite their proven track record of success, only approximately 505,000 apprentices are utilizing existing Department of Labor registered programs today.

Jul 28 2017

July Economic Snapshot of the States

These state economic snapshots survey the economic situation on the ground in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Although the U.S. economy overall continues its expansion from the Great Recession and associated financial crisis, the recovery can look very different from state to state, and even county to county. While some areas of the country have surged ahead, other regions are still struggling to regain their economic footing.