More than one in three Californians live in or near poverty, and the longstanding divide between rich and poor poses a major challenge for our state and nation. PPIC builds understanding of what economic disparities mean for households and communities, while highlighting policies that can broaden opportunity and increase well-being.
Publication
Income Inequality and Economic Opportunity in California
The pandemic threatens to widen the divide between rich and poor, but policy interventions can increase economic well-being and help create an equitable recovery. Learn More
Blog Post
To Speed Up Vaccine Distribution, Improve Broadband Access among Seniors
February 25 2021
Seniors rely on the internet to check vaccine availability and set up appointments. Disparities in broadband access may compound challenges for many communities already hit hard by the pandemic.
Blog Post
Black Californians Struggle within a Challenging Job Market
February 24 2021
As the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects continue, the downturn poses particular challenges for Black workers.
Blog Post
How Many Districts Have Been Providing In-person Instruction?
February 18 2021
More than half of California districts are open for some in-person instruction amid the pandemic, but there are notable disparities by race/ethnicity and income.
Publication
California’s Digital Divide
February 12 2021
Broadband subscriptions were at all-time highs before the COVID-19 pandemic began, but racial/ethnic gaps persist, and rural household face particular challenges.
Publication
The Digital Divide in Education
February 12 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the importance of technology in education—and highlighted long-standing gaps in broadband and device access that affect African American, Latino, and lower-income students.