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
Video: A Conversation with US Senator Alex Padilla
April 12 2021
Senator Padilla talks about what he hopes to accomplish in Washington and the importance of federal policymakers’ efforts on COVID-19 relief, infrastructure, and immigration reform.
Blog Post
One Year Later, Is California on the Road to Recovery?
April 1 2021
California’s economy has made strides in recovering from the COVID-19 downturn. But continued un- and underemployment—especially among groups who have been hit hardest—is a major concern.
Publication
PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government
March 30 2021
Key findings from the current survey include: As approval of Governor Newsom holds steady, four in ten likely voters would vote to remove the governor in a recall election. Overwhelming majorities support the $7.6 billion COVID-19 relief package signed by Governor Newsom as well as the $1.9 trillion federal relief package. Most Democrats, independents, and Republicans support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Ninety percent of Californians say housing affordability is a problem in their part of the state, and some residents are seriously considering moving.
Blog Post
The Pandemic Has Highlighted the Needs of California’s Youth
March 24 2021
We spoke with Jevon Wilkes, executive director of the California Coalition for Youth, about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected transitional-age youth (16–24) and the importance of connecting them with basic resources and key supports.
Blog Post
How the Expanded Child Tax Credit Reduces Child Poverty
March 23 2021
The recently enacted federal COVID-19 relief package includes a one-year expansion of the Child Tax Credit. This could cut child poverty in California by about one-third, with the estimated effect varying across regions.