The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and economic uncertainty. Support systems designed to help working people during moments of temporary instability are proving insufficient when work has dried up and the long-term picture is so uncertain. Is it time to rethink our social safety net, for the pandemic and beyond? Are universal basic incomes part of the solution?

On July 1st, at 1 PM PDT, O-Lab will host a one-hour conversation addressing these questions with three of the country’s leading researchers in economic and social welfare policy. In addition to answering questions from the audience, we will focus the discussion on three broad topics:

• Which policy steps should be taken while we are still in the pandemic?

• What does the collective rethinking of racial equity mean for a revised safety net?

• What long-term changes need to be made, post pandemic?

Panelists include:

• Hilary Hoynes (Economics, Public Policy, Co-Director of UC Berkeley Opportunity Lab)

• Jesse Rothstein (Economics, Public Policy, Director of California Policy Lab)

• Damon Jones (Public Policy, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy)

The event will be moderated by Lori Ann Ospina (Associate Director, Institute for Research on Labor and Employment) and will include time for audience questions.

This event is open to the public, but registration is required - Please register here and join us!