Ben Wilterdink
Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink has written numerous articles, op-eds, and analyses for the Archbridge Institute in several different outlets, on topics ranging from occupational licensing to youth employment.
More States Consider Protecting Parents Who Give Kids The Chance to Grow
South Carolina and Connecticut are among two of the latest states that might soon allow kids more opportunities to step out on their own for some time at the park or a walk to school. Following the example of Utah, Lawmakers in South Carolina and Connecticut are two of the latest states to consider changes in state law to protect parents’ ability to allow their children a bit more independence, without worrying that such allowances will be seen as criminally “neglectful” by local authorities.
California’s Two Strikes Against Economic Opportunity
Ben Wilterdink, Archbridge Institute Director of Programs, explores how the California Legislature recently missed two opportunities to boost economic mobility in recent post on Medium.
Racial Disparities and the High Cost of Low Debates
In essay for Quillette Magazine, Archbridge Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink discusses “Race and Economic Opportunity in the United States: An Intergenerational Perspective,” the most recent study from the Equality of Opportunity Project and some of the earliest reactions to the study. Wilterdink highlights several reasons to be skeptical of the most prominent commentary following the study’s release and argues that the best way to improve the status quo is through a mutually respectful dialogue.
A New Study Dives Deep into Race and Economic Mobility in America
Raj Chetty and his team of economists at the Equality of Opportunity Project have released a new report on race and economic mobility, with findings that have everyone talking. Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink discusses its key findings and some reactions from around the web in a post on Medium.
These Skills Might Just Save Your Job From the Robots
In a blog post for America’s Future Foundation, Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink explains that the way to keep up with our increasingly service-based economy is to gain the soft skills — also known as non-cognitive skills — that more and more employers seek.
How rising minimum wages undercut long-term economic success
In an op-ed for The Hill, Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink explores one of the overlooked effects of rising minimum wages — reduced opportunities for teenagers and young adults to learn soft skills. Examining recent literature, Wilterdink finds that entry-level employment and soft skill accumulation are linked to long-term economic success.