Policy Analysis and Commentary
Budget Reconciliation Cuts to the Social Safety Net and their Impact on Black Households
In July 2025, congressional Republicans passed, and President Donald Trump signed, a partisan budget reconciliation package that will reshape the American economy and further erode the social safety net. The…
Broadband or AI Regulation? Congress’s False Choice Risks Progress for Black Communities
Congress is currently considering a proposal that will make broadband funding contingent on whether states regulate artificial intelligence (AI). The provision — referred to as the AI moratorium — is…
Meeting the Moment for Black Workers through Non-Degree Credentials
Over the past four years, substantial public and private investments have been made in emerging industries such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor production. The CHIPS and Science Act…
From the Reagan Era to Trump’s First 100 Days: Lessons Learned From America’s Black Think Tank
When the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies was founded in 1970, we stood at the dawn of a new political era — one shaped by the victories of…
Joint Center Tracker Final Update of Racial Diversity of Top Staff Hires in 119th Congress
By LaShonda Brenson, Ph.D. and Kimberly Victor As of Feb. 28, members of Congress have filled 1,509 of the 1,599 top positions (chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors)…
January 2025 Jobs Day Analysis
The Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases how the numbers impact Black workers. Our January Jobs Day analysis is below. From December…
Joint Center Tracker Second Update of Racial Diversity of Top Staff Hires in 119th Congress
By LaShonda Brenson Ph.D., and Kimberly Victor As of January 10, members of Congress have filled 1,466 of the 1,599 top positions (chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors)…
Joint Center Tracker Update of Racial Diversity of Top Staff Hires in 119th Congress
By LaShonda Brenson, Ph.D., and Kimberly Victor There are 1602 top positions (chiefs of staff, legislative directors, and communications directors) in the personal offices of new and returning members of…
November 2024 Jobs Day Analysis
The Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases how the numbers impact Black workers. Our November Jobs Day analysis is below. From October…
October 2024 Jobs Day Analysis
The Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases how the numbers impact Black workers. Our October Jobs Day analysis is below. The Black…