Family Economic Security

Out of the shadows and out of poverty: Reducing poverty through immigration reform

Today, there are an estimated 11.3 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. Under current immigration law, these individuals are barred from working legally and, as a result, regularly self-select into jobs that minimize their risk of detection and deportation. Most undocumented workers ultimately find themselves in low-wage jobs where they are susceptible to exploitation and unable to exert their labor rights. It’s a simple fact: our broken immigration system is forcing families to live under precarious financial conditions.

Secret Life of FMLA: Shifting the Family Leave Conversation from She to We

I was out the other night with some of my colleagues and we were discussing ideas about what could help create a more supportive work culture at our university. The only two women at the table spoke about the need for more family friendly workplaces, specifically the need for paid family leave. We...

Childcare - The Low Hanging Fruit

In today's economy, our lowest hanging fruit is childcare -- basic facilities (or homes) that offer children of low-to-moderate incomes a safe place to learn and socialize.