Economic Policy
The Joint Center’s economic policy program identifies challenges and opportunities for advancing the economic status of Black communities. See below for research, analysis, and activities related to economic policy.
March Jobs Data Shows Some Promise for Black Economic Recovery
By Aleya Jones and Jessica Fulton In March, the unemployment rate for Black workers decreased slightly, but a deeper look into the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March 2021 Employment Situation Report signals the need for sustained investments in Black communities to ensure that Black workers are not left behind as the economy continues to…
Joint Center Vice President Discusses the American Rescue Plan on MSNBC Live with Stephanie Ruhle
Joint Center Vice President Jessica Fulton joined MSNBC Live with Stephanie Ruhle to discuss how the American Rescue Plan (President Biden’s coronavirus relief package) is “building a more inclusive table” “The most exciting thing about the American Rescue Plan is that it starts to lay a foundation for us to build a more inclusive economy…
Joint Center Vice President Comments on President Biden’s Racial Equity Orders on NPR’s Marketplace
Joint Center Vice President Jessica Fulton appeared on NPR‘s Marketplace to discuss President Joe Biden’s recent racial equity orders. “We have a number of laws that … have intentionally or unintentionally excluded entire communities,” said Jessica. “And a lot of those policies are still on the books, our agencies are still enforcing them. And we…
December Jobs Data Shows Loss for Black Women
In December, the unemployment rate for Black workers decreased slightly to 9.9 percent, down from 10.3 percent in November 2020. This rate is above the national unemployment rate of 6.7 percent and still far above the 6.0 percent unemployment rate Black workers saw in February 2020. Overall, Black workers were just slightly less likely to…
Joint Center President Joins AARP’s Panel on ‘Equity, Inclusion, and a New World of Work’ at The Atlantic Festival
Joint Center President Spencer Overton joined AARP’s panel, Equity, Inclusion, and a New World of Work, at the virtual Atlantic Festival. During the discussion, Spencer spoke about digital technologies that are transforming work, increased utilization of autonomous robots, and the significance of digital skills and remote work especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other panelists included…
Watch Joint Center Vice President on the ‘Social Security & Civil Rights: A Social Contract’ Panel
Joint Center Vice President Jessica Fulton joined the panel, Social Security & Civil Rights: A Social Contract, at AARP and Latinos for a Secure Retirement’s 9th Annual Retiring with Dignity Summit. During the discussion, Jessica talked about the importance of having universal retirement security programs to ensure Black communities aren’t counted out. She also pointed…
Joint Center Hosts ‘Pandemic Relief Priorities for Black Workers’ Twitter Chat with Experts
On September 11, the Joint Center hosted a Twitter chat with experts on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Black workers, and what should be doing about it. The experts included Joint Center Vice President Jessica Fulton, Groundwork Collaborative Managing Director of Policy & Research Janelle Jones, Center for American Progress Senior Economist Gbenga Ajilore,…
Sustain Black Businesses
Black businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 26% decline in the number of active Black business owners between February and May 2020.1 The federal government’s Paycheck Protection Program—which issues forgivable loans to keep businesses open and employees on payrolls—failed to adequately support Black businesses, in part through its design. Policymakers…
Pandemic Relief Priorities for Black Communities
By LaShonda Brenson Ph.D., Jessica Fulton, and Spencer Overton While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disproportionately harm Black communities in the United States, Congress and the Trump Administration have failed to come to an agreement on a fourth legislative package that will bring relief to millions in our nation.1 Granted, the relief package should direct…
Provide Financial Support for Black Workers
Black workers are over-represented in public transit, childcare and social services, health care, trucking, warehouse, and postal service, and many other frontline occupations deemed “essential.”1 Despite this work, Black communities have experienced high rates of both job and income loss. In June 2020, 15.4% of Black workers were looking for but unable to find work.2…