Politics

Contentment Wanted: A Closer Look at America’s Labor Shortage

Ever since April’s disappointing jobs report—which showed an increase of only 260,000 jobs against projections of over 1 million—economists, labor market specialists, and employers have all been trying to locate the source of workers’ unwillingness to return to work. By now, the concert of variables are familiar to most—the generous unemployment supplement, lack of access to childcare, fear of the virus, and inadequate pay. What has gone largely unobserved in this raging debate, however, is another … Continue reading

America / Education / Politics / U.S. Domestic Policy

School Choice: A Bipartisan Solution to the Failures of Public Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Rose Laoutaris Introduction The issue of school choice has been debated for decades between parents, teachers, and politicians. While the idea is not necessarily new, the concept of school choice became popular after Milton Friedman published his book, “The Role of Government in Education,” and in response to the increasing control state and federal … Continue reading

Politics

It’s Costly Being a Woman

The “Pink Tax” is the notion that a system of discriminatory pricing of products and services that is based solely on gender costs the average woman over $1,300 a year. While many products are not marketed specifically for women or men, manufactures use gender-normative sales practices like bright pink or purple packaging and sweet scents … Continue reading

Politics

Forced Rush to Retirement

Due to the stresses that the pandemic placed on health and employment, older workers have left the workforce at a higher rate and a younger age. These workers have been forced into an early retirement whether or not they were ready for it, risking long-term financial insecurity for themselves and reduced economic growth for the country.  … Continue reading

Politics

Moving Towards Durable Policy in the Executive Branch

Introduction Presidential transitions are a cumbersome and complex process, as presidents must make an inordinate number of bureaucratic appointments, closely review and revise the actions of their predecessors, and handle a host of other administrative and legislative tasks. While each of these processes are undoubtedly necessary for a new president, nearly all are being conducted … Continue reading

Politics

Social Media Influencers are the Latest to Unionize, But Should They?

Creators (interchangeably referred to as influencers) are individuals that are paid by brands to advertise certain products on platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. These content creators now have increased worker protections, as the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has extended their coverage and membership offers through the “influencer agreement”.   … Continue reading