Publications
The Hamilton Project produces and commissions policy proposals and analyses to promote broad-based economic growth by embracing a significant role for well-designed government policies and public investment.
Papers
Changes in the safety net over recent decades and their impact
This paper examines the U.S. safety net's evolution, effectiveness, and critiques.
Economic Security & Inequality
Social Insurance
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Papers
A primer on SNAP work requirements
Economic Security & Inequality
Employment & Wages
Social Insurance
Posts
Work permit applications suggest prior immigration is still pushing up labor supply—for now
Employment & Wages
Immigration
Posts
Higher new Census population estimates will affect the employment report
Employment & Wages
Immigration
Explore All Publications
COVID-19 and the US economy: FAQ on the economic impact & policy response
Jay Shambaugh offers answers to frequently asked questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. economy and the implementation of various fisc…
What should a fiscal response to a COVID-19 outbreak look like?
Hamilton Project Director Jay Shambaugh comments on the COVID-19 virus and how economic policies with automatic triggers can alleviate the financial burden of …
Examining the Black-white wealth gap
A close examination of wealth in the U.S. finds evidence of staggering racial disparities.
Who was poor in the US in 2018?
The Hamilton Project analyzes the characteristics and labor force participation of Americans who were living in poverty in 2018. Researchers found that althoug…
Addressing modern debtors’ prisons with graduated economic sanctions that depend on ability to pay
The use of monetary sanctions to punish crimes ranging from minor traffic or public order offenses to the most serious felonies is ubiquitous in the United Sta…
Nine facts about monetary sanctions in the criminal justice system
Interacting with the criminal justice system is an expensive proposition. Its reliance on bail to encourage return after pretrial release, on fines to punish a…
Who was poor in the United States in 2017?
In this economic analysis, Fellow Lauren Bauer characterizes those who were living in poverty in 2017—many facing significant barriers to working their way out…
Workers could lose SNAP benefits under Trump’s proposed rule
Following the announcement of a plan to reform SNAP rules, Fellow Lauren Bauer offers analysis suggesting that strict enforcement of work requirements will san…
