Economic Policy Institute

Headline numbers point to strong U.S. economic growth, but a look beneath the surface reveals much shakier ground. On November 19, join EPI economists for a discussion on what could trigger the next recession and what policymakers should do if it hits. Register here: https://lnkd.in/grevjwix

Across the nation, Black workers were over twice as likely to be unemployed as white workers in the third quarter of 2026. See unemployment by race/ethnicity in your state: https://lnkd.in/gat3Y3ZK

There are 150+ state ballot measures going before voters tomorrow, some of which will be tremendously consequential in shaping state economies. In Colorado, Amendment 87 would make the state tax system fairer while boosting revenues for essential public services. https://lnkd.in/gVSvXMFp

Popular views of a mostly white working class are out of date. A new EPI fact sheet shows that the working class is more diverse than ever before—no matter how you define it. Today, workers of color collectively account for nearly half of the working class. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gYYsBR7s

Yesterday, the world lost Dolores Huerta, a pioneering labor leader, organizer, and activist who made her mark on the world by advocating for some of poorest and most exploited U.S. workers: the farmworkers who cultivate, pick, and package the food we all eat. Huerta co-founded what is now known as the United Farm Workers. She negotiated the first-ever collective bargaining agreement with an agricultural employer, which won farmworkers long-overdue raises and newfound benefits. Her advocacy extended far beyond the fields and negotiating rooms, helping win major policies that reshaped the legal landscape for farmworkers in California and showed the rest of the country what was possible. All of us who strive to improve conditions for workers are indebted to her for her trailblazing leadership & many sacrifices. Her legacy reminds us all that “la lucha sigue” (the fight continues) because much work remains to ensure decent conditions for farmworkers. https://lnkd.in/gfezEncp

There are over 150 state ballot measures going before voters next month. One of them—Amendment 3 in Florida—would cut annual local government revenue by an estimated $12 billion. This translates to 123,000 jobs at risk of being cut from local government payrolls. https://lnkd.in/gVSvXMFp

Policy choices will determine how AI impacts workers. Federal policymakers should take a pro-worker approach by strengthening unemployment insurance and building a better safety net for all workers. Learn more in our new policy brief with Workshop - Catalyzing Change for Workers Rights and We Build Progress: https://lnkd.in/g65yRSvV

A secure retirement is out of reach for millions of workers. Unions are one of the best ways to change that. New research shows union workers have greater access to employer retirement plans and are more likely to have pensions compared with nonunion workers. https://lnkd.in/gkvY9wZu

There's a powerful solution to improve affordability: Unions. Tripling union membership would deliver $7,700+ annually to the median worker—or nearly $270,000 over a 35-year career. Learn more from EPI president Heidi Shierholz and AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler: https://lnkd.in/evRAgWQD

EPI’s Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy has been selected as a finalist for the Anthem Awards! Vote for EPI in the Belonging and Inclusion category by October 29. https://lnkd.in/gqzRfB6F