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In the News
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.
Reviving the American Dream is Going to Require Licensing Reform
Professors Brian Meehan of Berry College and Edward Timmons of St. Francis University write in The Hill about their latest study, Too Much License? A Closer Look at Occupational Licensing and Economic Mobility. The states have increased their occupational licensing requirements to different extents over the past two decades, but has it had an affect on economic mobility?
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.
Understanding the Artificial and Natural Barriers to Economic Mobility
Archbridge Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink explains the difference between artificial and natural barriers that are preventing people from lifting themselves out of poverty. At the local level, many groups have seen this issue and implemented programs that are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with spectacular results.
All in With the American Dream
The American Dream has been alive for Gonzalo Schwarz, Archbridge President and CEO, ever since he first thought of moving to the United States. But after immigrating, he found that more and more of his adopted countrymen have lost faith in the Dream. Examining recent evidence, Gonzalo assesses whether the American Dream is alive and well, fading, or nonexistent.
Skills for the 21st Century — Building Human Capital for Economic Mobility
Archbridge Director of Programs Ben Wilterdink argues for the importance of soft skills in our increasingly service-based economy. With minimum wage increases and helicopter parenting becoming the norm, Wilterdink argues that children and young adults are missing opportunities to gain the soft skills that employers want in today’s labor market.
INTERSTATE COMPACTS AREN’T THE RIGHT W
Interstate compacts aren’t the right way to fix occupational licensing laws
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Secretary of Labor Acosta and South Dakota Governor Daugaard outline their plan for interstate compacts that allow holders of an occupational license in one state to receive a temporary license for that occupation when moving to another state within the compact. Archbridge Director of Policy Research Ben Wilterdink explains why this does nothing to resolve the barriers to mobility caused by occupational licensing.
The American Dream Isn’t Dead, But it is Ailing
Is the American Dream dead for young Americans? Dr. Edward Timmons of Saint Francis University and coauthor of Barriers to Mobility, says there are good arguments that it may not be as bleak as it seems. Economists agree, however, that many poor children remain poor in adulthood. Timmons examines the growth of occupational licensing as a possible cause.
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