Breaking down the news with data, charts, and maps.
Welcome back! Today we examine Gen Z’s workplace challenges, global competition in space, and the rising federal debt.

Edited by Sutton Houser and James
Desio

Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe <[link removed]> today! For inquiries, email [email protected] <[link removed]>.
1. Gen Z’s Workplace Worries
Topline: Recent surveys indicate that young workers face high stress, feel undervalued, and often find their jobs a poor fit. AEI’s Brent Orrell and Daniel Cox suggest <[link removed]> this is part of a broader trend in which job fit and satisfaction improve with age.



- Data show that 59% of older workers report their jobs fit very well, compared to 30% of younger workers.
- Additionally, 74% of older workers feel completely or very satisfied with their jobs, compared to 49% of young
workers.


Work Is Life? Orrell notes that Gen Z’s workplace struggles may be linked to
that generation's higher expectations for work to provide a sense of purpose. For more insights, see his article <[link removed]> on rethinking work.
2. Liftoff: The Race for Space Dominance
Topline: As China prepares to launch thousands of internet satellites <[link removed]>, AEI’s Todd Harrison explains <[link removed]> that the global competition for space will have major military and economic implications. While the United States currently leads in operational military and commercial satellites, China is rapidly closing the gap.

Satellite
Build-Up: Harrison emphasizes that winning the race to build the most commercial and military satellites is crucial for economic and military dominance.



-

In military satellites, the US currently leads other nations, with 282 operational satellites; China is not far behind, with 192. Maintaining the technological edge in military satellites is key for nations that want to distinguish themselves as global powers, rather than regional ones.

-

In commercial satellites, the US dominates the competition, with over 6,000 satellites constituting 81% of all commercial satellites in operation today.







“The United States has a window of opportunity to build and extend its lead in
nearly all areas of the competition in space, but it must act quickly and in partnership with like-minded nations.” 
—Todd Harrison
3. Federal Debt Tops $35 Trillion
Topline: As the federal debt tops $35 trillion, AEI’s Kevin Kosar observes <[link removed]> that Americans’ concerns about rising debt are failing to spur politicians of either party to tackle the issue. Even with a majority of Americans expressing concern <[link removed]> about the growing debt since 2012, the debt has increased by more than $23 trillion.

The Problem: Kosar identifies three reasons for this lack of action: Voters prioritize other issues, entitlement reform is politically risky, and politicians often deflect
blame.





“Our constitutional republic is a marvel, but unlike parliamentary systems, it is not very good at assigning responsibility
for poor fiscal stewardship.” 
—Kevin Kosar
But Wait, There’s More . . .
The Future of Climate Change and Clean Energy Policy <[link removed]>
Reasons for the Senate to Oppose the Proposed CTC Expansion <[link removed]>
Thanks for reading. We will be back with more data next Thursday!
For more data insights, subscribe today <[link removed]>.

Email us <[link removed]> with data questions or ideas.
View online <[[[link removed]]]>  |   Ensure delivery <[link removed]>  |   Subscribe <[link removed]>


American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
1789 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
202.862.5800  |  www.aei.org <[link removed]>


<[link removed]>   <[link removed]>   <[link removed]>   <[link removed]>    <[link removed]>  
<[link removed]> Donate to AEI <[link removed]> in support of defending and promoting freedom, opportunity, and enterprise.
This message is for: [email protected] <[email protected]> | Manage preferences <[link removed]> or Unsubscribe <[link removed]>

<!-- This is a comment -->