Events

Communities of color and low-income households are being disproportionately harmed by the economic fallout from COVID-19. This discussion explored critical ways to provide relief to the people who need it most.

COVID-19 has exposed the shortfalls in the nation’s health care infrastructure and social safety net. This conversation provided insight into emerging challenges and options for relief, and highlights the many ways that communities of color are being disproportionately harmed by the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched New Jersey's state and local finances thin, endangering investments in public services that our communities rely on. Without immediate and significant aid from the federal government, the state and local governments may be forced to borrow funds to function, as well as prevent damaging cuts that will slow New Jersey’s pandemic recovery.

It’s been more than a year since New Jersey’s biggest corporate tax subsidy programs were allowed to expire, giving the state an opportunity to rethink such massive corporate giveaways with dubious return on investment. This discussion focused on the current state of economic development programs in New Jersey as well as new ideas that prioritize equity, communities, and workers over failed trickle-down ideology.

This year has brought into sharp focus the pernicious racial and economic inequity at the root of so many of our institutions — both in New Jersey and at the national level. This conversation outlined how we can improve existing economic security programs like the EITC and TANF, while paving the way for UBI, baby bonds, reparations, and other robust reforms to break the cycle of poverty.