Topic: Economic Policy Institute

Robert Reich
US schools in need of bailout

In the coming days, the Obama administration is expected to announce $4.35 billion in extra funds for under-performing public schools. In contrast, last year the nation committed $700 billion to bail out Wall Street banks.

Commentary: Don't let America's red ink scare you

America is running a hefty budget deficit but fret not. The deficit sky is not yet falling.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Obama's impact on race in America

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day a year after the first African-American president took office, Americans appear to have mixed views about the impact of President Obama's election on race relations.

White House jobs summit: Eight ideas to aid job growth

As the White House hosts a jobs summit Thursday, here are a range of ideas – from shorter work hours to a second stimulus – to fix the rising unemployment rate.

How to cut unemployment: tax credit for employers who hire?

A tax credit to spur hiring can help trim unemployment, say experts, but comes with a heavy price tag. The revenue loss for a 1977 scheme was $5.7 billion.

Minimum wage goes up. Do workers care?

Most hourly workers already earn more than the minimum, but some say the new rate of $7.25 an hour will be a modest boost to those earning the least.

ECONOMIC SCENE: Obama takes first step to redistribute wealth

Modest effort may still face still opposition in Congress.

Obama budget: restoring income equality in the US?

Liberal economists see the $3.6 trillion proposal as a 'step in the right direction.'

The New Economy
How many jobs from stimulus money? It depends.

Unions pose difficult political test for Obama

How firmly will he stand with his labor allies during the painful restructuring of the auto industry?

Who advises candidates on economic crisis?

Both pick mainstream experts, but Obama’s are more interventionist.

Financial crisis: the latest blow to free-market 'dogma'

Economic woes give plenty of ammunition to economists and lawmakers calling for new regulations and taxes.

Growth cheery, but economy glum

A disconnect: Pocketbook well-being has fallen behind productivity gains.

Will pocketbooks pick the president?

Big edge for Obama if the economy – statistically sour – motivates voters, say modelers.

More Americans search for quality part-time work

Demand from mothers and older workers for such jobs exceeds supply.

Poor see gains of 1990s reversed

Poverty has become more concentrated in the first half of this decade, says a report.

Opinion: Do better schools help the poor?

Data suggest they don't. A better approach is investment in communities.

As G-8 meets, free trade under fire

Recent economic woes are raising new doubts about the benefits of globalization.

If inflation is up 3.9 percent, why does it feel worse?

One reason: Wages aren't keeping up with price rises.

Despite 25 years of reform, U.S. schools still fall short

New studies echo a key call from landmark 1983 report: boost teacher training and pay.

Rich getting richer: Campaign issue?

Studies show that the rich are getting a lot richer, the poor a little poorer. The middle class is slipping.

What will steady shaky financial system?

Two keys: Stabilize home values while keeping Wall Street calm, analysts say.

Arguments mount for a national healthcare system

Some reformers say a government-run system has become an 'economic necessity.'

Best U.S. factory jobs in rising jeopardy

As productivity abroad rises, US manufacturing is competing by trimming workers and wages.