Monthly newsletter from the EARN Network from the Economic Policy Insitute

EARN Notice
A monthly newsletter from the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN)


** EARN Notice December 2024
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Dear EARN Community,

As we approach the end of 2024 and gear up for the challenging months ahead, I want to take a moment to celebrate just a few of our successes from this past year. Proactive campaigns across the country ensured greater safety for youth ([link removed]) in the workforce. Voters passed progressive measures ([link removed]) at the ballot box in November, including higher minimum wages and guaranteed paid leave. More people were members of unions this year ([link removed]) than the year before, and support for unions is at its highest level in decades ([link removed]) with large shares of workers, particularly young workers curious about, and wanting to
form, unions. The network had myriad other victories too, enough that I can’t list them all. They don’t go unnoticed; each one helps to advance racial, gender, and economic justice across the country. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make these successes happen.

On a personal note, I consider joining EPI’s staff in August as a significant win. Though I love running R code and building charts as much as the next research assistant, it’s EPI’s connection to, and support of EARN partners’ work, that sustains for me a deeper, emotional commitment to this work.

The solidarity that you, our EARN partners, have built across communities and regions is both incredible and palpable for someone coming into this network.

A few weeks ago, I participated in the EARN directors’ post-election strategy session and it was eye-opening to hear local perspectives from across the country. For example, a few people living in states with friendlier governments shared ideas on how to keep pushing pro-worker policies forward and help their legislatures cement protections likely to be rolled back at a federal level. On the flip side, folks from states like Texas pointed out that they’ve long been operating in a hostile policy landscape that looks a lot like where we’re headed as a country—they know this fight and have crucial knowledge to share with the rest of us. I was struck by how much we will need both of these perspectives to keep moving forward in the years to come.

I’ve been passionate about social justice and progressive change since I was quite young, but I spent many years unsure of how to use that energy in a way that felt enjoyable, sustainable, and effective. A lot of that uncertainty disappeared when I started doing policy research—I loved how deeply it encouraged me to think about issues (and I relished how little volunteer wrangling it required!). Joining the EARN team feels like the last piece of the puzzle. As a part of this network, I get to contribute my individual strengths to a coordinated, strategic group that is doing real, tangible work, and is so much more powerful than the sum of its parts.

Though last month’s election brought me immense heartache and fear for what lies ahead, I know—we all know—that there is significant potential for positive change at the state and local level. As you and your organizations prepare for 2025, EPI and EARN are here to support you. Whether it’s with a data question you need answered, a funding pitch you want us to make, or a campaign idea you need support on, please don’t hesitate to reach out (mailto:[email protected]) .

Thank you for all the work you’ve done this past year and thank you for making me feel so welcome as a new member of EARN. I am honored to be fighting this fight with you all.

In solidarity,

Emma Cohn
State Policy Research Assistant


** New Publications
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Quick Fixes to Lock in Wins for Workers: How States Can Preserve New Federal Protection ([link removed]) s ([link removed]) (November 26)
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Strong Unions Mean Strong Economic Outcomes for All Coloradans ([link removed]) (November 19)

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Immigrants are a Vital Part of New Jersey’s Future ([link removed]) (November 26)

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Federal Investments in Climate & Clean Energy Infrastructure in Ohio ([link removed]) (September 30)


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Partnering for Paid Family and Medical Leave in Michigan ([link removed]) (December 5)


** Upcoming EARN Events
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Community Benefits Agreements: An EARN Network Strategy Discussion
Thursday, December 12 at 12 pm ET

Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) are crucial for ensuring new economic projects provide lasting benefits to workers and local communities, including good union jobs. Recent federal investments offer opportunities to organize for CBAs, but building coalitions of labor unions and community groups to pressure corporations remains a challenge. Join Amanda Woodrum of Reimagine Appalachia, Amy Gore of Think Tennessee, and Diana Polson of the Keystone Research Center to explore how EARN Groups can support CBAs and the challenges and opportunities in building the community and worker power needed to secure strong agreements.
* Register here: [link removed]

EARN 101 
Tuesday, January 14 at 1 pm ET

EARN 101 is a workshop to learn about the network and our resources. This is a great opportunity for new staff and interns to learn about the network, resources we provide and how we work with an array of partners (union, grassroots, state and local government) to advance worker power and racial and gender justice. The webinar will include a demo of some of our data resources and offer guidance on how staff can take advantage of EPI's and the network's deep well of expertise.
* Register here: [link removed]

Unions 101 
Thursday, January 23 at 1 pm ET

Unions 101 will discuss what unions do, who today’s union members are, and why state labor policy matters for racial, gender, and economic justice and democracy. Whether you’re new to working with unions or have years of experience, we invite you to bring your questions, ideas, and experience to this interactive Zoom workshop to discuss the roles unions play in the workplace and economy, how state policies shape workers’ union rights, and opportunities to deepen labor partnerships in state issue campaigns.
* Register here: [link removed]


** ICYMI: Recent EARN Events
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High-Road Pathways to Union Construction Jobs: Advancing Equity and Worker Power in Apprenticeship Systems in Your State: On Thursday, November 21, 2024, our panelists discussed the importance of programmatic initiatives to advance equity and inclusivity in construction apprenticeships, with a focus on union (joint labor-management) apprenticeship programs known for higher completion rates and greater diversity.
Webinar Recording ([link removed]) (note that recording started five minutes into the session, after speaker introductions)
Password: P8$#JH56
Webinar Slides  ([link removed])
Quick Guide to Apprenticeships ([link removed]) ([link removed])

Presenters:
Melissa Wells, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU)
Erin O'Brien-Hofmann and Christiana Hall, Finishing Trades Institute, Philadelphia
Russ Ormiston, Institute for Construction Employment Research (ICERES)
Steve Herzenbeg and Claire Kovach, Keystone Research Center

Quick Fixes to Lock in Wins for Workers: How States Can Preserve New Federal Protections: On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, panelists from the National Employment Law Project, NYU Wagner Labor Initiative, American Economic Liberties Project, Towards Justice, and the Economic Policy Institute addressed key steps states can take quickly to protect the worker gains of the Biden era against federal rollbacks and
covered analysis and recommendations explained in a policy brief by the same name.

Webinar Recording ([link removed])
Policy Brief ([link removed])

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