The Trump administration’s adoption of import taxes, commonly known as tariffs, will have a disproportionate effect on the cost of living for low-income households. It also revives questions about which branch of the U.S. government the Constitution…
On July 26, 2024, the Biden Administration’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) promulgated its “Fair Choice - Employee Voice” final rule.[1] Its most significant effect is the return of the Blocking Charge Doctrine.[2] This doctrine gives NLRB…
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition program in the United States, with 40 million people receiving benefits each month.[1] Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP has proven to be an essential program for…
Housing policy is often framed as a battle between landlords and tenants, with policymakers positioning themselves as protectors of renters, particularly low-income families. Nowhere is this more evident than in New York, where tenant rights groups have…
The victory of Obergefell v. Hodges has been heralded as marriage equality for all—but that goal remains out of reach so long as people with disabilities continue to face income penalties for tying the knot. Individuals enrolled in Supplemental Security…
In the summer of 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom took a day trip. Donning some casual clothes, a black baseball cap, and his Ray Ban aviators (retailing at a minimum of $180 per pair), he made his way to multiple homeless encampments throughout…
The Rise of Payday Lending To make almost any major life decision in the United States—such as leasing an apartment, purchasing a car, applying for a job, or securing a loan—you need a credit score.[1] More importantly, you need a good (or at least…
The U.S. has one of the greatest wealth gaps of any developed country in the world.[1] As the nation with the most billionaires[2] and the highest GDP,[3] the U.S. has a shamefully high poverty rate, with 11.5% of the population (37.9 million people)…
The following remarks were originally presented by Joshua M. Levin, Volunteer Staff Attorney, Tzedek DC[1] during the 2024 Labor Seder hosted by Jews United for Justice (JUFJ). I want to thank Rabbi Miriam Leibman and everyone at JUFJ for welcoming me…
Freedom and personal agency are some of the most lauded virtues and policy goals in the American culture. This post is neither going to address the broader philosophical/theological debate about free will nor if choice is an ontologically sound concept…
