Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) Joined the Joint Center to Host Hill Briefing on Federal Workforce Cuts and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
February 26, 2026

Contact: 
Ramon Korionoff, Ramon.Korionoff@mail.house.gov 
Kennedy Fortner, kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org  

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) joined the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies to host “Black History Month on the Hill: Protecting Progress and Economic Security in Black Communities,” a congressional briefing examining the compounding impact of federal workforce cuts, the dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and shifting workplace policies on Black workers and entrepreneurs. 

The briefing brought together labor leaders, economic policy experts, and Members of Congress to explore how shrinking federal employment, contracting changes, and the erosion of small business infrastructure are intensifying economic instability in Black communities — particularly in regions like the DMV where federal jobs have long anchored the Black middle class.

“As we mark Black History Month, we’re reminded that progress requires vigilance and action,” said Congressman Ivey. “We must use every legislative and oversight tool available to protect Black workers, defend small businesses, and preserve pathways to economic opportunity.”

“The Joint Center is proud to join Congressman Ivey to address the urgent economic challenges, from federal workforce reductions to the dismantling of the MBDA, that threaten the limited progress of Black government workers and entrepreneurs,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “We must make sure federal policies advance economic security of Black workers and entrepreneurs and not worsen the racial economic inequality already faced by African Americans. We thank Congressman Ivey’s team for partnering with us on this important issue.”

“The Trump administration has made long-standing racial disparities in employment and pay so much harder to close by aggressively pushing an anti-equity agenda on top of decimating the federal workforce, cutting services and programs that working families and low-income communities rely on, and actively chipping away at labor standards and union and collective bargaining rights,” said Valerie Wilson, Director, Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy at Economic Policy Institute.

“The US Black Chambers has seen firsthand how federal support for disadvantaged businesses creates a multiplier effect in Black communities, said Talisha Bekavac, Executive Vice President, US Black Chambers. When a Black-owned business thrives, they hire locally, reinvest locally, and strengthen the entire community’s economic foundation. These cuts will reverberate for generations.”

“I was honored to join the Joint Center and Congressman Ivey for this important conversation on protecting progress and economic security in Black communities. said Everett Kelley, National President, American Federation of Government Employees. As a Black union leader, I know firsthand that our collective power, solidarity, and continued advocacy are essential to ensuring opportunity, dignity, and justice for working families in this critical moment.”

“Supporting Black commuters and the businesses they sustain is essential to American economic competitiveness and national security, said Eric Morrissette, Joint Center Senior Fellow and former Acting Under Secretary of Commerce under the Biden-Harris Administration. “At a time when federal policy choices are creating economic uncertainty and slowing growth, we cannot afford to sideline any segment of our economy. Every American has a stake in pushing back against forces that weaken our economic strength and diminish our GDP.”

Panelists emphasized the need for strong oversight, data transparency, and targeted legislative strategies to safeguard Black economic security as Congress prepares for the next session. Congressman Ivey reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside the Congressional Black Caucus and economic justice advocates to defend Black workers, protect small businesses, and ensure federal policy advances — not undermines — economic security.

“Black History Month is not only a time to reflect,” Ivey said. “It is a time to organize, legislate, and lead.”

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About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies  

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.