The Ideas Driving a Bold New Consensus

‘A Generational Project to Transform Our Economy’

“Investing in the American people has proven to be a vital tool in rebalancing our economy,” Felicia Wong, president and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute, said on Thursday at Bold New Consensus, a day-long forum centered around transforming the US political economy.

Leaders dedicated to exploring new economic ideas gathered to discuss progressive policy wins that, as Wong described, are “shifting us away from neoliberalism and toward an economy of abundance.” Historic investments in the public good, ranging from the Inflation Reduction Act to the CHIPS and Science Act, Wong said, indicate “a sharp departure from the trickle-down economics that defined the last 40 years of policymaking.”

Catch up on the highlights of the day including remarks from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and a conversation between Community Change Co-President Dorian Warren and author Anand Giridharadas.

The gathering was organized by the Economic Security Project in partnership with the Roosevelt Institute, Community Change, and the Hewlett Foundation.

Remembering Ady Barkan

It is with deep sorrow that we at Roosevelt express our condolences on the passing of Ohad “Ady” Barkan. Ady was a fierce advocate for health and economic justice and his unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and progressive values inspired us all. In September, Ady delivered his last public speech when we honored him with the Freedom from Want award at our Four Freedoms Awards. The award celebrated his tireless and unapologetic work fighting for freedom from economic want and for a more just health-care system in the United States.

Ady’s efforts in the fight for a more equitable economy through his leadership at Fed Up and his fights for healthcare reform and social justice, even as he battled ALS—all showcased his dedication to a better, more equitable world. His life will forever resonate with those who had the privilege of witnessing and participating in his transformative work and his legacy as a cofounder of Be a Hero.

The Unjust Cost of Child Labor

“The rise in exploitative child labor is both a policy and societal failure,” writes Alí Bustamante, Roosevelt’s deputy director of worker power and economic security. Policymakers across the country are promoting child labor, leading to not only grisly injuries and deaths of children on the job, but also a race to the bottom in terms of wages and working conditions for all workers. Bustamante writes more about this disturbing trend and the need to hold companies that use child labor accountable in a new blog.

What We’re Talking About

You can understand why President Truman wanted a one-armed economist: on one hand, this jobs number is in line with what we'd expect for an economy this far into an expansion.

On the other hand, there are signs of slipping, from unemployment to participation. Let's look. /1 pic.twitter.com/dGlrpmrEpZ

— Mike Konczal (@mtkonczal) November 3, 2023

What We’re Reading

The Great Reordering — feat. the Roosevelt Institute — Washington Monthly

A Black Woman Is an Architect of the Green New Deal. Here’s Why She Says White Supremacy Is Embedded in Climate Change Policy — feat. Roosevelt’s Rhiana Gunn-Wright — Essence

Bank Climate Guidance Faces ‘Deep Distrust’ from Small Lenders — feat. Roosevelt Fellow Todd Phillips — Bloomberg Law

Solar Could Become a Model for Sectoral Bargaining — The American Prospect

Autoworkers Strike Is Over as Union and GM Reach Potential Deal — NBC News