O-Lab Year in Review 2019
As we approach 2020, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continued engagement and support. Check out some of the exciting ways we've been combating poverty and inequality over the last year, and join us in this effort with a tax-deductible gift today. Donate here!
Impact
Examining the Evidence: A Conversation on Universal Basic Income
Universal Basic Income has generated an explosion of interest in recent years. O-Lab staff recently sat down with Directors Hilary Hoynes and Jesse Rothstein to discuss their work on the implications of establishing a UBI program in the United States and other developed economies. Learn more here and join the conversation!
Combating Childhood Poverty
Co-Director Hilary Hoynes spoke at a roundtable discussion on the fight against poverty, hosted by congresswoman Barbara Lee. Hoynes spoke about her work with the National Academies of Sciences on strategies for reducing childhood poverty. Read more about it here.
Linking Research to Policy
This year, the Center for Effective Global Action's annual Evidence to Action (E2A) research symposium highlighted novel tools and methods to drive better health outcomes for people around the world. Among other speakers, O-Lab co-director Hilary Hoynes presented findings on the long-term benefits of nutrition assistance in childhood, and CEGA director and O-Lab Affiliate Ted Miguel spoke on the long-term impacts of childhood deworming in Kenya.
Shaping the Debate
Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman helped create wealth tax plans for Democratic presidential candidates Senator Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.
Charting a New Path Forward in Reducing Inequality
The Peterson Institute for International Economics hosted a conference on "Combating Inequality: Rethinking Policies to Reduce Inequality in Advanced Economies." O-Lab Directors Hilary Hoynes and Jesse Rothstein presented alongside Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman. Watch the full conference.
Advising Congress
Solomon Hsiang spoke before congress as an expert witness on the economic consequences of climate change. "Because low-income regions and individuals tend to be hurt more, climate change will widen existing economic inequality,” he said. Read Hsiang's testimony summarizing decades of important research.
Michael Reich testified before congress on the likely effects of gradually raising the minimum wage to $15. Doing so “will have minimal to no adverse effects on employment” and “substantial positive dynamic effects on the lowest-wage areas of the U.S.” he said. Read Reich’s testimony.
Research
Racial Bias in Health Algorithms
Ziad Obermeyer's new research finds evidence of racial bias in an algorithm widely used by the U.S. health care system. Black patients were much less likely to receive targeted extra care compared to white patients of a similar health risk level. Learn more.
How to Prevent Employee Burnout
Burnout has been associated with negative health outcomes, high turnover, and poor organization performance. Elizabeth Linos' new research suggests that increasing social belonging and affirmation reduces employee burnout and resignations in front line workers.
The Value of Estate Taxes
While estate taxes may push billionaires out of certain states, Enrico Moretti's research shows that estate taxes raised more money for states that had them than they lost in income-tax revenue when billionaires left. “It is still worth it for states,” Moretti told The New York Times.
General Equilibrium Effects of Cash Transfers
Ted Miguel and co-authors provided one-time cash transfers of about $1,000 to over 10,500 poor households across 653 randomized villages in rural Kenya. Studying the general equilibrium effects of the cash transfers, they found large positive spillovers on non-recipient households and firms. Learn more!
The Great Recession’s ‘Lost Generation’
O-Lab Co-Director, Jesse Rothstein’s research shows that the damage suffered by young workers in recessions lasts throughout their career. In his article for Equitable Growth, he highlights the importance of policies to ease the next downturn.
Work Schedule Instability Matters for Workers, Families, and Racial Inequality
Research by Daniel Schneider and co-authors find that “schedules have a pervasive influence on economic security, the ability to fulfill care obligations, and parents’ and children’s wellbeing.” Read more at The Shift Project.
Publications
People
2019 was a busy year at the Opportunity Lab! We welcomed 12 new affiliates and funded 15 graduate student’s research. Meet our new affiliates:
