Urban Institute nonprofit social and economic policy research
March 16, 2010

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Older Workers in 2009


High unemployment has attracted much attention, but there has been less consideration of how older workers have fared. A new report reveals record high unemployment rates in 2009 for workers age 55-62, especially African Americans and Hispanics. However rates for adults age 62+ did not fall, because many older workers stayed in the labor force, and earnings for those 65 and older increased. read more

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The Cost of Failure


As leaders gather at the President's health reform summit, they need credible facts and analysis to reach consensus and move ahead. Here Urban Institute researchers explain who stands to be hurt most if reform fails and what costs individuals, families, employers and states can expect. read more

Job Next Exit Sign

Jumpstarting Job Growth


President Obama pledged in his State of the Union address to make jobs his top priority. His budget proposal reflects that focus with a $100 billion plan to spur job creation. Urban Institute research and perspectives on employment and workforce development can inform the debate on how to encourage job growth and put Americans back to work. read more

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How Is the Budget Created?


Fellow Rudy Penner describes how the budget is prepared by the executive branch and Congress, and how it is implemented. The preparation process could be improved, he asserts, but implementation works smoothly and efficiently. The severe long-run budget problem the country faces is caused by only three spending programs: Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—all of which are growing faster than the economy. How can the process better handle these challenges? read more

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR THE EXPERTS

Kathy PettitKathy Pettit, coauthor of “Housing in the Nation’s Capital 2009,” answers five questions about the Washington, D.C., region’s foreclosure crisis. The report, the seventh in a series on housing in the Washington metro area, reviews housing market conditions, examines the ripple effects of foreclosures, and recommends ways to stabilize neighborhoods and help households recover.
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IN THE NEWS

"In January, the [unemployment] rate for African Americans was nearly 17% compared with roughly 9% for white workers. News flash: This two-to-one ratio was the norm."
—Margaret Simms on Marketplace, March 2

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EXPERTS

Olivia GoldenDear Metro chief: It's Not Going to be Fun
Opinion from Olivia Golden
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C. Eugene SteuerleA New April 15: Make It a Day of Giving (Efficiently)
Commentary from C. Eugene Steuerle
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Eric ToderTax Issues Related to Small Business Job Creation
Testimony from Eric Toder
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Reforming Child Welfare

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FACTS of RECORD

3.2 mil

Number of Americans age 62 and older who began collecting Social Security in 2009, an all-time high