Rural America is undergoing tremendous economic upheaval, but this turmoil offers policymakers an opportunity to enact real change.
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
A pathway forward
If properly designed and contextualized, efforts to encourage marriage can be important tools in reducing poverty.
Policymakers can reduce administrative burdens and ensure that those who qualify receive their full benefits
This report reviews the academic literature on human capital development and the relationship between education outcomes and lifetime earnings
Even though work is the key to long-term self-sufficiency, benefit cliffs in welfare programs leave families trapped in dependency.
Even though work is the key to long-term self-sufficiency, benefit cliffs in welfare programs leave families trapped in dependency.
Even though work is the key to long-term self-sufficiency, benefit cliffs in welfare programs leave families trapped in dependency.