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
Can the US Afford Not to Become a Nicer, Kinder Society?
Brief #84—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
Many feel work to be a citizen’s right as well as a personal source of income and satisfaction. Recently US unemployment has been as high as 14.7% though some experts estimate it actually may be as high as 20%.
Can Women Afford to Work?
Brief #83—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
There are more women working today than not though the peak year of labor force for women was 2000 (59.9%) down to 57.9% in January 2020.
The Crisis in Worker Wages
Brief #82—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
Fair wages, universal healthcare, paid parental leave, paid sick leave, paid annual leave. These should be the minimal components of employment. It is not rocket science. These things are attainable and would help both the employer and the employee.
The Crisis in Worker Wages
Brief #82—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
Fair wages, universal healthcare, paid parental leave, paid sick leave, paid annual leave. These should be the minimal components of employment. It is not rocket science. These things are attainable and would help both the employer and the employee.
The Potential Benefits of a Guaranteed Minimum Income
Brief #80—Economics
ByRosalind Gottfried
The idea of a minimum guaranteed income (MGI) dates back to Thomas Paine and the 18th century and has been promoted by such diverse people as Martin Luther King, Jr, President Nixon, economist Milton Friedman, and recent presidential candidate Andrew Yang. Nancy Pelosi has suggested that such a program should exist, at least till the end of the current pandemic, and two thirds of the House Democratic Caucus agrees.
Is the CARES Act Effective?
Brief #79—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
The effectiveness of the late March 2.3 trillion dollar Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES), Act remains hotly debated. It is the most comprehensive act of government support since the depression, and its cost is similar to expenditures characterizing wartime.
The Gig Economy Looks Bleak
Brief #78—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
In recent years gig workers, acting as independent contractors, entered the gig economy as a means to supplement income, promote flexibility, and even be a secure alternative to regular employment.
African Americans Suffer Deprivation in all Economic Arenas
Brief #77—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
In every measure contributing to well-being African Americans experience significant deprivations.
The Future is Green
Brief #76—Economics
By Rosalind Gottfried
Green jobs are the future in spite of heavy layoffs during this period of labor market contraction. Clean energy lost well over a half a million jobs since the virus hit the economy.