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Communities of Color Face High Underemployment in Washington

Posted by Andy Nicholas at Feb 11, 2010 06:17 PM |
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As a result of the Great Recession, some 16.2 percent of Washington’s workforce was underemployed in 2009.  Yesterday, we posted an analysis of new Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data showing growth in the unemployment and underemployment rates in Washington since 2007.  (We also described the differences between the two indicators.)  Today we provide a deeper analysis of the new data, which show that underemployment was alarmingly high among certain communities of color in Washington State last year.

The graph below shows the 2009 underemployment rate by race and ethnicity in Washington.   As the graph shows, white and Asian Washingtonians experienced average underemployment rates of 15 percent and 13 percent, respectively – significantly lower than the statewide rate.  At the same time, underemployment among African Americans stood significantly above the statewide average at 21 percent. Finally, 26 percent of Hispanic workers were underemployed last year.

 

Underemployment by race

 
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Policy Agenda

We have released Framework for Prosperity, a comprehensive policy agenda for the 2013-2015 biennium. We make specific recommendations for targeted investments that would bring our state closer to providing prosperity for all Washingtonians. We also provide revenue options to help pay for those investments. Click on the image below to download a PDF of the agenda.

 

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During the 2013 legislative session we will host regular Budget Beat calls and and podcaBudget Beatsts to bring you updates and breaking news from Olympia, timely policy analysis, and share resources and upcoming community events.

Check out the archive of Budget Beat calls and podcasts. 

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Budget Matters 2012

Our first annual policy conference was a great success! More than 300 people came together to hear from policy makers, national and state policy experts, and community leaders from around the state. Our special lunch speaker was Van Jones.

Van jones at Budget Matters 

Here are some of the PowerPoint presentations from the break-out panels.

-The Affordable Care Act: Maximizing the Opportunities

-Building a Prosperity Economy in Washington State

-Building a 21st Century Revenue System

-Effective Messaging Strategies

For pictures and more information, check out our event page.