Publications
The Hamilton Project produces and commissions policy proposals and analyses to promote broad-based economic growth by embracing a significant role for well-designed government policies and public investment.
Papers
A primer on SNAP work requirements
An explainer on work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) summarizes the research on work requirements and their efficacy.
Economic Security & Inequality
Employment & Wages
Social Insurance
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Posts
Work permit applications suggest prior immigration is still pushing up labor supply—for now
Employment & Wages
Immigration
Posts
Higher new Census population estimates will affect the employment report
Employment & Wages
Immigration
Posts
Low-income workers experience—by far—the most earnings and work hours instability
Economic Security & Inequality
Employment & Wages
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Papers
September 5, 2019
Employment, education, and the time use of American youth
The Hamilton Project finds that changing employment and school enrollment patterns have contributed to declining labor force participation among youth, aged 16…
Papers
August 22, 2019
The shift in private sector union participation: Explanations and effects
The Hamilton Project finds that the decline in private sector union membership is economically important for the future of labor. Unions can lift wages, reduce…
Posts
August 1, 2019
Race and underemployment in the US labor market
In the latest analysis, The Hamilton Project explores how the nation’s underemployment rate reveals very different labor market outcomes for black, Hispanic, a…
Posts
July 2, 2019
All school and no work becoming the norm for American teens
The latest analysis from The Hamilton Project explores how teenagers (16–19-year-olds) have shifted away from working or seeking work and the impact this chang…
Posts
June 6, 2019
How will we know when a recession is coming?
Despite strong GDP growth and the longest uninterrupted streak of job growth in recorded U.S. history, another economic downturn will be inevitable. The Hamilt…
Policy Proposals
May 16, 2019
Improving TANF’s countercyclicality through increased basic assistance and subsidized jobs
The design of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program prevents it from providing sufficient assistance to families with children during econ…
Policy Proposals
May 16, 2019
Unemployment insurance and macroeconomic stabilization
Low recipiency rates and an imperfect Extended Benefits program weaken the unemployment insurance program’s effectiveness during recessions. Gabriel Chodorow-R…
Papers
May 16, 2019
The damage done by recessions and how to respond
Automatic stabilizers are designed to expand during an economic downturn and contract during an expansion—providing timely and temporary fiscal stimulus. Boush…