It may be instructive to revisit how two states paved the way for today’s reform efforts.
Social Mobility
A core promise of America is the ability of people to rise up from humble beginnings. The challenges faced by lower- and middle-income Americans today are multidisciplinary in nature, and require our renewed focus. Job and wage growth are essential; in particular, Americans need access to more blue-collar work and other jobs that don’t require a college degree. Our employment and welfare policies should encourage work, family formation, and income security. Paid family leave can help strengthen families at their times of need.
All Social Mobility
Americans are less optimistic than ever. A new paper from FREOPP provides one explanation: Americans are lonelier than ever, too.
The loss of social connection and associated rise in loneliness has had a host of social, cultural, economic, and civic consequences.
Three ideas shaping the opportunity debate last month
Government attacking private capital won't make life more affordable, even if it scores political points. FREOPP has solutions that will.
Upward Mobility grants would empower states to truly operate as the “laboratories of democracy” while protecting and better targeting benefits.
Plus: A much-needed Obamacare reform; what Mamdani means for poor New Yorkers; and a path toward education opportunity
Until policymakers speak with compassion to those left behind and to address the problems they face, we will see more Mamdanis on the horizon