EDUCATION, LABOR, AND WORKER JUSTICE

JULY 2022 NEWSLETTER

Early Lessons from D.C.’s Paid Leave Program

This brief evaluates the rollout of Washington, D.C.’s paid leave program, highlights the barriers to access and equity - particularly for those being paid low wages, and details the D.C. government’s efforts to improve the program.

Disproportionately Impacted: Closing the Racial Wealth Gap through Student Loan Cancellation, Payment Reforms, and Investment in College Affordability

This report, jointly written by CLASP and the National Consumer Law Center, explores the disproportionate impact of student debt on Black borrowers and makes recommendations to address the dual student loan and college affordability crises through federal policies and executive action.

Poor Job Quality Keeps Women of Color from Economic Opportunity

This brief argues that building a resilient and sustainable recovery for women of color requires addressing a lack of benefits, worker protections, and well-paying jobs so that women of color can thrive.

Additional Publications and Reports

Unionization is Crucial to Improving the Workplace for Congressional Staffers

This blog post highlights Congressional staffers’ efforts to organize for better working conditions and higher wages and applauds the U.S. House of Representatives’ resolution granting staffers the right to organize.

Immigrant Workers Supplying our Food Chain Face Climate Threats, Unmet Needs

This blog post argues that threats to farmworkers, such as fewer worker protections and unsafe working environments, call for new federal policies and investments that protect all workers across the food supply industry, support immigration rights, and transform our agricultural system.

As Pell Grants Turn 50, It’s Time for Change

This blog post, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the Pell Grant, offers key recommendations for the future of the program to ensure it meets the changing demands of our workforce and the changing demographics of our postsecondary student population.

Why Juneteenth’s Promise Must Include Higher Education Investment for Black Men

This blog post, commemorating Juneteenth, argues that the annual reflection of this country’s historical mistreatment of Black Americans must consider the impact of white supremacy on higher education policy.

How House-Passed WIOA Reauthorization Would Change Youth Programs

This brief outlines key changes to current law for youth workforce programs in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) bill that was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 17, 2022.