CT Voices Report Calls for Sweeping, Antiracist Program to Advance Economic Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2020 CONTACT Ashlee Niedospial The Narrative Project ashlee@narrative-project.com 570.778.5916

Connecticut Voices for Children Report Calls for Sweeping, Antiracist Program to Advance Economic Justice, Hosts Press Call PRESS CALL ADVISORY: September 30, 2020  | 10:30AM New Haven (September 30, 2020) – Connecticut Voices for Children today released a report that examines the economic standing of Connecticut’s workers and calls for a sweeping, antiracist program to advance economic justice. The report, entitled “The State of Working Connecticut: Advancing Economic Justice in the Labor Market” offers six recommendations, which include reparations to Black Americans, to combat rising wage inequality and to address the substantial racial wage gaps in the U.S. and Connecticut. To detail and comment on the recommendations listed in the report. Connecticut Voices for Children will be hosting a press call today with CT Voices Executive Director, Emily Byrne and Research & Policy Fellow and report author, Patrick R. O’Brien, Ph.D. The report, which examines the status of the state’s workforce and outlines a new economic justice framework, discusses recommendations to address the two defining features of Connecticut’s labor market: rising wage inequality due in large part to a decline in worker power a substantial racial wage gap due in large part to racial discrimination The report notes that the coronavirus recession will likely exacerbate rising wage inequality and the racial wage gap and that Connecticut’s regressive tax system already further exacerbates both problems.  To advance economic justice in the labor market by strengthening worker power and countering racial discrimination, CT Voices recommends the following policies: The federal government should consider viable ways to make reparations to Black Americans. The Federal Reserve (Fed) should use monetary policy—the adjustment of the money supply and interest rates—both to reach full employment as quickly as possible and to maintain full employment as long as possible. The federal government should use fiscal policy—the adjustment of spending and taxes—both to reach full employment as quickly as possible and to maintain full employment as long as possible. The federal government should extend the increase in unemployment benefits under the CARES Act both to support unemployed workers and to prevent further job losses. The Connecticut government should expend the Budget Reserve Fund (BRF) and create a progressive tax system both to reach full employment as quickly as possible and to maintain full employment as long as possible. The Connecticut government should speed up the implementation date of the state’s new minimum wage and also consider increasing the minimum wage to a living wage. View the full report here.  View the Executive Summary here.  View the Just Facts here.  CT Voices will be hosting a press call Today, Wednesday, September 30, 2020 | 10:30AM WHO: Emily Byrne, Executive Director, Connecticut Voices for Children  Patrick R. O’Brien, Ph.D., Research & Policy Fellow and Report Author, Connecticut Voices for Children WHEN: TODAY September 30, 2020 10:30 AM WHERE: Join Zoom Meeting here.   # # # About Connecticut Voices for Children: Connecticut Voices for Children is a “think and do” tank working to ensure that Connecticut is a thriving and equitable state, and where all children achieve their full potential. In furtherance of its vision, Connecticut Voices for Children produces high-quality research and analysis, promotes citizen education, advocates for policy change at the state and local level, and works to develop the next generation of leaders.

 

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ADVISORY: CT Voices Report Calls for Sweeping, Antiracist Program to Advance Economic Justice, Hosts Press Call

Connecticut Voices for Children Report Calls for Sweeping, Antiracist Program to Advance Economic Justice, Hosts Press Call