How Raising the Minimum Wage Helps Businesses, Cannabis Policy Under Merrick Garland, and More

February 26, 2021

“Voters across the spectrum have come to agree that it is simply not possible for workers—essential or otherwise—to survive on the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour or the state wage floors close to that.” Xavier de Souza Briggs and chef and restaurant owner Russell Jackson explain how America can offer dignity to millions of low-income workers and boost the economy at the same time.

Enforcement of cannabis laws have disproportionately impacted people of color—a fact that Judge Merrick Garland discussed during his confirmation hearing this week. John Hudak writes that if confirmed as the next attorney general of the United States, Garland could transform America’s relationship with cannabis.

Though action by the executive branch and federal legislation are helpful on the path toward a more inclusive economy, many factors that shape access to economic opportunity emerge at the local level. Alan Berube and Sarah Crump discuss the latest Metro Monitor and examine how major metropolitan areas fared on racial inclusion.

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