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.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened a national shortage of registered nurses, making it increasingly urgent that policymakers invest in higher education, coordinate strategies to alleviate the pressures on the nursing workforce, and make the entire health care system more equitable and stable.
Major investments of federal funding and sustained coordination are needed to mitigate the impact of nursing shortages and improve the nation’s ability to improve the health care system.
TANF Must Be Able To Respond Faster and Stronger to Economic Crises
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.
The ARP Grew the Economy, Reduced Poverty, and Eased Financial Hardship for Millions
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.
How Weak Safety Net Policies Exacerbate Regional and Racial Inequality
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.
