he/him
Justin Schweitzer is a policy analyst for the Poverty to Prosperity Program at American Progress. Before joining American Progress, he worked as an economics intern for the Progressive Policy Institute, covering topics ranging from tax policy and climate change to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Schweitzer received a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance with a minor in mathematics from Elon University and Master of Science in applied economics, concentrating in public policy, from Johns Hopkins University. Schweitzer has studied and written about issues including workers’ rights, market consolidation, international development, and economic inequality.
Easing burdens on eligible people participating in government programs can reduce poverty and inequity.
By reforming Temporary Assistance for Needy Families as a strong automatic stabilizer, policymakers can keep millions of Americans out of poverty and counteract recessionary pressures.
Data show that in just one year, the 2021 American Rescue Plan eased hardship for millions of Americans and demonstrated the need for further federal investment to build a long-term, equitable economy that works for all.
The tight labor market has given workers more power to demand improvements in job quality; it's time for employers and policymakers to listen.
States that guarantee better pay for their workers have added more jobs in 2021 than states with lower minimum and subminimum wages.
While all low-income individuals and families, particularly those of color, struggle to avoid falling into poverty, some receive less support solely because of where they live.
Tipped industries in one fair wage states have higher growth, less inequality, and lower poverty for all workers.
Even in the absence of congressional action, states can use TANF funds to support their residents who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although more funding from Congress is desperately needed, there are many ways that states can better use TANF to deliver more aid to people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expanding TANF greatly helped many struggling families during the Great Recession, and it can do so during the COVID-19 recession as well.