Policy resources for investing in an equitable economy

The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent recession exposed deep fragilities in the economy, one rife with historically high levels of economic inequality, structural racial inequities, and a porous social safety net. These fragilities continue to exacerbate the economic insecurities caused by decades of declining public investment in infrastructure and people.

That underinvestment perpetuates widespread systemic racism and gender inequities, and leaves the United States unprepared to meet the needs of millions of families and workers. In contrast, the top end of the income and wealth distribution are well-prepared to withstand economic shocks while maintaining and growing their financial assets, and inequality remains even more pronounced.

The U.S. economy isn’t an abstract system—it’s a direct result of the choices that policymakers make. The tools exist to support strong, stable, and broadly shared growth while addressing underlying structural issues, including racial and gender inequities, climate change, and the need for 21st century care infrastructure.

A growing body of research provides a framework for how the federal government can make choices to fully support workers, families, and businesses. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth is producing resources to connect the policymaking community with the most cutting-edge evidence to create a path for an equitable economy.

Equitable Recovery

The coronavirus recession and economic inequality: A roadmap to recovery and long-term structural change

LaborTax & MacroeconomicsInequality & Mobility
Equitable Economy

Why the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is good economics

Inequality & MobilityTax & Macroeconomics
Equitable Recovery

Jobs report: U.S. employment data shows continuing strong job gains, with employment in the warehousing and transportation industry well-above pre-pandemic levels

LaborInequality & Mobility
Equitable Recovery

The American Rescue Plan helped U.S. families amid the coronavirus pandemic and provides a roadmap for policymakers today

Inequality & MobilityTax & Macroeconomics
Equitable Recovery

February Jobs Day report: U.S. employment growth is still strong, but some care sector workers are being left behind

LaborFamilies
Equitable Recovery

The Economic State of the Union in 2022, presented in 11 charts, and what policymakers can do to make the recovery more equitable and resilient

Inequality & Mobility
Equitable Recovery

Getting cash transfer payments to recipients faster boosts household spending and stimulates the economy

FamiliesInequality & Mobility
Equitable Recovery

The economic evidence behind 10 policies in the Build Back Better Act

LaborTax & MacroeconomicsFamilies
Equitable Recovery

October U.S. Jobs report: Employment growth picked up steam last month

Inequality & MobilityLabor

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