Recent PPIC research and events explore how public policies can increase economic well-being.
PPIC Economic Opportunity in California header
The longstanding divide between rich and poor is one of the foremost challenges facing California, and the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic downturn threaten to widen this disparity. Last week, the Public Policy Institute of California released new reports, published a series of blog posts, and held virtual events focused on how policy choices can increase economic well-being and broaden opportunity.

Publications

Income Inequality and Economic Opportunity in California
State policy actions should focus on the hardest-hit workers and regions to promote an equitable recovery and address widening income inequality.
» Read more
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Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Economic Well-Being
Many Californians worry the pandemic will hurt their finances, and many think that when today’s children grow up they will be worse off financially than their parents.
» Read more
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On Our Blog

Will This Recession Deepen California’s Economic Divide?
The current downturn is having a disproportionate impact on low-income Californians and communities of color. Deliberate policy action can help create an equitable recovery and broaden opportunity.
» Read more
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The Economic Toll of COVID-19 on Women
The downturn has created a gender divide in un- and underemployment in California, with an especially large impact on low-income women and women of color.
» Read more
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Tackling Regional Disparities in Economic Opportunity
Economic opportunity varies across California, and COVID-19 could worsen these disparities. Public policies that aim to increase opportunity should seek to address differing conditions and needs across regions.
» Read more
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Federal Action—or Inaction—Will Shape California’s Recovery
State policymakers have many options for helping promote an equitable recovery. But federal policy choices will have an outsized impact on California’s workers and families.
» Read more
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Broad Support for Job Training and Child Care to Boost Recovery
In the latest PPIC Statewide Survey, most Californians support key policy proposals to increase economic well-being and broaden opportunity.
» Read more
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Events

Photo - Sarah Bohn, Ashley Swearengin, and Betty Yee
Income Inequality and Economic
Opportunity in California
December 8, 2020
» Watch the video
Photo - Mark Baldassare and Ana Matosantos
A Conversation with Cabinet Secretary
Ana Matosantos
December 10, 2020
» Watch the video

Learn more

For additional resources on economic opportunity and related topics, visit PPIC’s poverty and inequality page.
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