New California laws make housing more affordable and sustainable
California got three new laws that allow more homes to be built. Denser cities should shorten commutes, lower emissions, and make for more equitable housing.
Economic inequality
Economic inequality shapes opportunity, health, and security for billions of people. This archive tracks real progress — policy wins, research breakthroughs, and community-driven solutions — that are narrowing gaps in wealth, wages, and access around the world.
Amazon to cover 100% of college tuition for U.S. hourly employees
Amazon will offer to pay 100% of college tuition for its 750,000 U.S. hourly employees. The e-commerce giant is following the lead of other large U.S. companies that are dangling similar perk in a tight job market.
Walgreens becomes newest member of the $15 an hour club
The $15 increase, which applies to both full- and part-time workers, will be phased in and completed by November 2022.
HBCUs across the U.S. clear student balances and cancel debt with federal funds
Federal stimulus funds have enabled the U.S. Department of Education to make significant investments in under-resourced colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, including more than $2.6 billion to HBCUs.
Child hunger rates in the U.S. slashed 24% after first round of Child Tax Credit payment
The percentage of American families with kids who report not having enough to eat fell dramatically after the first child tax credit payments were distributed last month, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
U.S. Department of Agriculture to permanently boost food stamp benefits by 25 percent
The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families—the largest single increase in the program’s history.
For first time, average pay for supermarket and restaurant workers in the U.S. tops $15 an hour
Overall, nearly 80 percent of U.S. workers now earn at least $15 an hour, up from 60 percent in 2014. Job sites and recruiting firms say many job seekers won’t even consider jobs that pay less than $15 anymore.
Target to pay 100% of college tuition and textbooks
With the move, Target joins other retailers and restaurant chains — including Walmart, Chipotle, and Starbucks — that have programs that help employees pay for college.
Walmart to pay 100% of college tuition plus books for its workers
Walmart will be investing nearly $1 billion over the next five years to help roughly 1.5 million part-time and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club associates in the U.S. earn college degrees or learn trade skills.
130 countries agree to global minimum corporate tax rate
130 countries around the world — including, crucially, China and India — agreed on a 15% minimum corporate tax rate to combat tax dodging. Any profitable firm with revenues over $24 billion will be included from the start, with that number expected to decline to $12 billion in time.