
Higher Minimum Wages Support Job Growth as the Economy Recovers From COVID-19
States that guarantee better pay for their workers have added more jobs in 2021 than states with lower minimum and subminimum wages.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a staggering impact on the health and the economy, from lives lost and long-term illness and disability to disruption in the labor market and supply chains to a mental health crisis and lost instructional time for children and adolescents. Many of these negative outcomes disproportionately affect women, older adults, disabled individuals, and people of color.
The Center for American Progress is committed to supporting continued COVID-19 preparedness and response to proactively protect health in the United States and around the globe. The United States must continue to monitor disease trends; plan and invest in vaccines, tests, and treatments; continue research and development on issues such as long COVID and updated strategies to combat new variants; educate the public on ways to reduce risk; and strengthen the public health system. It must also address the persistent health and economic consequences of COVID-19 through policies such as paid sick leave, access to health care, workplace accommodations and safety standards, and mental health supports. These investments are critical for the United States to respond quickly and protect the nation from further illness, disability, death, and economic disruption.
States that guarantee better pay for their workers have added more jobs in 2021 than states with lower minimum and subminimum wages.
As COVID-19 wanes and governments relax public health measures, policymakers must closely monitor indicators that reflect prevalence and severity, precautions and protections, and treatment availability to maintain readiness for future surges and resume precautions as needed.
Expanded child tax credit payments have provided much-needed financial support to a wide range of families across income level, race/ethnicity, and education.
This report reviews the Biden administration’s key efforts and accomplishments to advance equity in its first year and outlines future policies needed to build a better and more dynamic nation that equitably respects the rights and meets the needs of all Americans.
Funding for government agencies expires on March 11; rather than pass another stopgap bill, Congress must pass full-year appropriations that adequately support the nation’s priorities and needs.
States have several tools available to help relieve rural care shortages and increase health care provider supply during the pandemic and beyond.
President Joe Biden took office one year ago amid one of the worst economies in generations, but the U.S. economy has since made tremendous progress toward recovery, and workers are benefiting.
Maggie Siddiqi explains why in the face of a deadly pandemic, religion must not be used as an excuse to avoid lifesaving vaccination and mask requirements.
The federal government can make it easier and more affordable for individuals to reduce their own COVID-19 risk and take action to support public health.
Students returning home from juvenile detention centers deserve support to reintegrate into their communities, especially during the pandemic.
The House-passed bill expands insurance coverage, reduces prescription drug costs, and makes crucial investments in maternal and public health.
American Rescue Plan funding allows state and local governments to invest in employment solutions for their residents, including skills training, career pathways in educational settings, child care, and other basic needs.
The Rev. Jane Field of the Maine Council of Churches shares her thoughts on Maine’s approach to containing COVID-19, as well as the response from religious communities in the state.