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
Looking Ahead to California’s 2021 Labor Market
January 22 2021
With a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent months, employment in California has taken a hit. Given the continued challenges posed by the pandemic, what can we expect from the state’s labor market this year?
Blog Post
Creating a Safety Net for Immigrant Communities
January 21 2021
Through Disaster Relief Aid for Immigrants, California has dedicated $75 million to assist undocumented immigrants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We talked with Joseph Villela, director of Policy and Advocacy at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, about his organization’s experience in helping create this emergency program.
Publication
California’s Future
January 15 2021
This multi-topic publication highlights the state’s most pressing long-term policy challenges in several key areas: criminal justice, economy, education, safety net, and water and a changing climate.
Publication
California’s Future: Economy
January 15 2021
California’s economy has been hit hard by COVID-19. Between February and May 2020, the state lost more than 3 million jobs, largely erasing gains from a decade of continuous growth. The economic consequences have been severe but also unevenly distributed, exacerbating economic inequality.
Publication
California’s Future: Education
January 15 2021
California has begun moving toward a “cradle to career” approach that connects early childhood, K–12, and higher education more closely. But COVID-19 has disrupted learning, funding, and progress toward improving student outcomes and has exacerbated racial and economic equity gaps.