COVID-19 began spreading at the end of 2019. Our posts cover the ensuing drop in employment; differential impacts on workers by income, race, ethnicity, gender, education, and parental status; unemployment insurance and other social supports to assist those impacted; the mounting red ink on federal and state budgets; and ramifications in areas ranging from developing countries, to education, the environment, and beyond.
June 30, 2020
Medical costs dropped in the short-term, as non-COVID care was deferred and may never be made up. Huge uncertainties exist regarding future trends in costs.
June 25, 2020
State tax revenues are falling while spending needs due to the coronavirus are spiking. Balanced budget amendments may lead states to raise taxes or cut spending.
June 17, 2020
COVID-19 job losses are particularly large among non-citizens, who are especially vulnerable because they have limited access to social safety net protections.
June 9, 2020
The increase in the ratio of debt to GDP does not mean the U.S. should tighten fiscal policy. Low interest rates and a return to economic growth would make public debt less costly.
June 5, 2020
Demand for houses and homes for sale fell in March and April. But house prices rose, albeit more slowly. The future of housing prices remains very uncertain.
June 1, 2020
Employment declines from COVID-19 overshadow the Great Recession. Hispanics, younger workers and workers without a college degree saw the largest declines.
May 27, 2020
Immigrants are less likely to have health insurance than natives. Lack of coverage and access to medical care can adversely impact public health in a pandemic.
May 26, 2020
Hispanic workers fill many low-wage essential jobs and face added challenges and risks by having low bargaining power to advocate for safer work conditions.
May 20, 2020
Those released from jails and prisons to limit the spread of COVID-19 may face difficult living conditions, scarce jobs and limited reentry services.