Pathways to Economic Security

This working paper examines how economic insecurity has evolved over time, the degree to which past policy efforts have mitigated economic insecurity, and touches on the components of an encompassing solution. The ultimate goal of this work is to help policymakers design an assured income policy portfolio that solidifies a floor of basic support and reduces economic insecurity. This policy goal is not solely backward looking or corrective. An inclusive economy with basic security for all creates both the backstop from depression and widespread prosperity during periods of economic growth. In addressing economic insecurity, the solution is not a single policy, but a portfolio of policies. These policies reflect an overarching goal—get income to households—but not a single means of doing so. This in turn reflects that the sources of economic insecurity are not simple or even the same for different individuals and families. This document will be amended based on feedback offered by participants in the National Academy of Social Insurance’s 2021 conference Pathways to Economic Security: Bringing All Voices to the Table and continued comments from members of the Economic Security Study Panel. This working paper does not include the Policy Options section of the report, which will outline the means by which policymakers might improve labor policy, benefit policy, protection policy, and equity policy, as defined on page 32. Revisions to the Policy Options section continue to take place; in your feedback we welcome suggestions for policies you believe should be included in the forthcoming report. The final report will include Acknowledgments, Methodology, the sections herein, Policy Options, and appendices. Download the paper here. Contact Griffin Murphy, Policy Analyst, at gmurphy@nasi.org with feedback or questions.

Current State of Needs / Impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis

Coalition for the Homeless

• COVID-19 and Homelessness in New York City: Pandemic Pandemonium for New Yorkers without Homes
• Housing is Healthcare: Responding to COVID-19 in a Comprehensive and Systemic Way | Updated March 15, 2021

Justice in Aging

• Older Women and Poverty | December 2018
• Supporting Older Americans’ Basic Needs: Health Care, Income, Housing and Food | April 2018
• Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2019

Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK)

• Interim Report - The Great Risk Transfer

Human Rights Campaign

• Research on LGBTQ People and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Assured Income and Pathways Forward

Fines and Fees Justice Center

• The Clearinghouse | An online library of information about efforts to reform fines and fees in the legal system

Paralyzed Veterans of America

• 2021 Legislative Priorities: Preserve and Protect Social Security
• 2021 Legislative Priorities: Prioritize Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities
• Legislative Priorities

Niskanen Center

• The Conservative Case for a Child Allowance | February 2021

Aspen Institute

• Centering the Margins: A Framework and Practices for Person-Centered Financial Security Policy | December 2020

New America

• Becoming Visible: Race, Economic Security, and Political Voice in Jackson, Mississippi | November 2017

Roosevelt Institute

• No Strings Attached: The Behavioral Effects of U.S. Unconditional Cash Transfer Programs | May 2017

Fact Sheet | Child Tax Credits and Assured Income

 

Fact Sheet | “Building Back Better” for Older and Disabled Americans Requires Bringing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) into the 21st Century

 

Working Paper | Assured Income

More resources to be added.