ECONOMIC POLICIES, ANALYSIS, AND RESOURCES
The Economic and Trade Policy Domain tracks and reports on policies that deal with budget, taxation, and finance issues. The domain tracks policies emanating from the White House, Congress, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Treasury.
Latest Economic and Trade Policy Posts
Future Dismal for Young Workers
Brief #75—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
The economic outlook is bleak for new workers and for millennials who entered the labor force after the 2008 economic crisis. The employment rate for 20-24 year olds is down 25% from March to April and down 16% for 20-29 year olds.
Unemployment Surges with Little Cause for Optimism
Brief #73—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
The dramatic surge in unemployment in the April BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) data comes with little surprise. The current rate of 14.7% is the worst since the 1933 high of 25%.
Poverty Rates, Sparked by Covid-19 Could Surpass the Great Depression
Brief #72—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
The economic conditions preceding the pandemic, aggravated by the likelihood of extended unemployment, could bring the poverty level to 25% or higher, especially for nonwhites. By some projections, from a Columbia University study, the unemployment rate could reach 30% resulting in 15.4% falling into poverty.
Where is the Government Plan to Address Coronavirus Related Problems in Our Food Chain?
Brief #71—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
It is hard to address the policy regarding the food chain since the biggest issue is the lack of policy. On Friday, April 11, 2020 KQED (the public radio station in San Francisco) reported that there is a cruel irony in the fact that food banks are facing large increases in demand they are unable to meet while, at the same time, farmers are letting crops rot due to lack of buyers, transport, and workers. Some farmers are just not harvesting their crops because the restaurants, schools and other sources they typically serve are closed.
COVID-19, Corona virus, recession, economic stimulus, recovery The Two Trillion Dollar Economic Relief Plan
Brief #70—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
When the partisan bickering resolved, the country was left with a relief package that reflected some of the Democrats’ modifications on an earlier Republican-backed proposal. The bill, passed on Friday March 27th, includes help for taxpayers, small businesses, industry, student loan payments and a few other contingencies. Basically, single taxpayers making up to $75K will get a one-time payment of $1200 while married couples will get relief if they earn less than $150K.
Coronavirus and the Economy: What a difference a week makes!
Brief #69—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
In the past week a potential economic slowdown has escalated to predictions of a recession with one article describing the economy as “all gone to hell.” With many people adopting a social distancing approach and public events being canceled, repercussions have been felt across many industries and activities whereas previously it was hoped that these would be limited to industries directly impacted by the public health contagion.
COVID-19, Corona virus, stock market, recession. Will a Pandemic Lead to a Recession?
Brief #68—Economics
By Will a Pandemic Lead to a Recession?
Rosalind Gottfried
Trump’s New Budget Reviewed
Brief #67—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
US Income Inequality Explained
Brief #66—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried