Family-Friendly Policies: Boosting Mothers' Wages

This report shows that mothers with access to maternity leave earn more as they move through their careers than mothers without maternity leave. It also finds that the lack of family-friendly policies in the U.S. and the presence of children contribute to the fact that women still earn less than half of what men earn.

No Way Out: How Prime Age Workers Get Trapped in Minimum Wage Jobs

This paper shows that more than one-third of prime-age minimum wage workers remain in low-wage jobs for at least three years.

The Effects on Employment and Wages When Medicaid and Child Care Subsidies are no Longer Available

This paper examines the importance of two work supports - health insurance and child care - in promoting employment and wage growth for prime-age mothers.

Are Women Opting Out? Debunking the Myth

This report refutes the widespread notion that women are increasingly likely to stop working when they have kids.

Tag Team-Parenting

Many Americans cannot afford the luxury of sitting down together for dinner. This report finds that parents with lower incomes and less education are more likely to work alternating schedules than richer and more educated families.

Student Debt: Bigger and Bigger

This report examines the amount of debt than an average student incurs to attend a four-year college, historical precedents of debt, and the implications for working students and families.

Social Security: The Most Important Anti-Poverty Program for Children

This report finds that more low-income children live in families that receive a Social Security check than in families that receive a check from the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. The study analyzed data from the Survey on Income and Program Participation (SIPP).

When Done Right, Work Supports Work: Medicaid and Mothers' Employment and Wages

This paper examines the importance of Medicaid and finds that work supports such as Medicaid make all the difference in keeping working mothers in the labor force.

The American Middle Class, Income Inequality, and the Strength of Our Economy

Analyzes 1979-2007 income growth by income group and how the state of the middle class and level of income inequality affect factors shaping the economy, such as human capital, demand for goods and services, entrepreneurship, and inclusive institutions

Clearing the Path to Unemployment Insurance for Low-Wage Workers

Unemployment Insurance is a necessary and beneficial stimulus program for part-time workers. However, the current rules for eligibility often leave eligible workers behind. This study analyzes the alternative base period (ABP), a policy reform that makes it easier for low-wage workers to qualify for UI benefits.