The Black Paper Series, curated by the Black Economic Alliance Foundation in collaboration with the Office of Race and Equity Research (ORER), provides research into policies that can advance the work, wages, and wealth of Black people. These papers analyze barriers to economic opportunity in tax policy, labor market policy, and entrepreneurship, providing insights for policy reforms to drive Black prosperity and grow the entire economy.
Papers
In Labor Market Policies for Racial Equity, William Congdon, Elisabeth Jacobs, and Marokey Sawo examine the challenges faced by Black workers in today's labor market. The paper highlights the impact of historical policy choices, unequal enforcement of protections, and ongoing discrimination. Key policy recommendations include:
- Fair Workweek policies: Enhancing worker well-being and reducing income volatility through notice, compensation, and voice rights.
- Universal access to paid family and medical leave: Using a social insurance model to expand income support for Black workers during caregiving.
- Fiscal policy measures: Addressing racial disparities in labor outcomes through overall demand effects and specific program designs.
In A Guide to Understanding Racial Disparities in the Federal Individual Income Tax System, Aravind Boddupalli, Janet Holtzblatt, and Lillian Hunter review 13 key federal tax policies and their impact on racial inequality. They discuss how homeownership, marriage, and low-income assistance create different tax burdens among racial and ethnic groups. Policy recommendations include:
- Tax credit for home mortgage interest: Replacing the itemized deduction.
- Optional individual tax returns for married couples: Allowing deduction of a portion of the earnings of the lower-earning spouse.
- Expansions of the child tax credit and earned income tax credit: Reinstating income threshold and refundability enhancements from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
In Black Entrepreneurship and Education, Training, and Workforce Development, Ofronama Biu, Shayne Spaulding, Hailey D’Elia, and Tianna Newton explore efforts to support Black entrepreneurship through education and workforce systems. The paper highlights initiatives within historically Black colleges and universities, minority serving institutions, and the public workforce system that create opportunities and support systems for Black entrepreneurs to overcome systemic barriers. Key recommendations include:
- Broad spectrum of programming: Providing tailored programming for aspiring, new, and experienced entrepreneurs, including basic skill-building and advanced business growth support.
- Streamlined information: Using a centralized entity, likely a government agency, to manage entrepreneurship support offerings, making resources easier to navigate.
- Access to funding and capital: Offering seed funding or grants to bridge gaps in access to capital, enabling entrepreneurs to grow their ventures from solo operations to larger businesses.
