Economic Policy Institute

Economic Policy Institute. The Economic Policy Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. that conducts research and analysis on economic issues affecting low- and middle-income American workers. Founded in 1986, it is widely recognized for its analysis of wage trends, income inequality, and employment policies. The institute's work aims to inform public debate and provide a counterbalance to analyses from business-oriented think tanks, with a focus on equitable economic growth.

History and founding

The institute was established in 1986 by a group of economists including Jeff Faux, Barry Bluestone, and Ray Marshall, the latter having served as United States Secretary of Labor under President Jimmy Carter. Its creation was motivated by a perceived need for an organization that would prioritize the economic interests of working families in policy debates, contrasting with the influence of institutions like the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. Early funding and support came from labor unions such as the AFL-CIO and foundations including the Ford Foundation. The founding occurred during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan, a period marked by significant shifts in tax policy, deregulation, and a decline in union density in the United States.

Research and publications

The institute produces a wide array of influential reports, data sets, and policy briefs. Its flagship publication, *The State of Working America*, is a comprehensive biennial volume analyzing trends in wages, income, poverty, and wealth distribution. Other notable regular publications include the *EPI Policy Agenda* and the *JobWatch* tracker. Key research areas encompass the analysis of the federal minimum wage, the effects of trade agreements like NAFTA on domestic employment, and the economic impacts of immigration. Researchers such as Lawrence Mishel, Elise Gould, and Heidi Shierholz have authored seminal studies on wage stagnation, the gender pay gap, and the erosion of collective bargaining rights.

Policy positions and advocacy

The institute advocates for policies designed to raise living standards for working people and reduce economic inequality. It is a prominent supporter of increasing the federal minimum wage and strengthening overtime pay regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The organization has consistently argued for more robust enforcement of labor laws by agencies like the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. Department of Labor. It has been critical of free trade agreements, arguing they often lead to job losses and downward pressure on wages in the United States, and advocates for policies that prioritize full employment, including public investment in infrastructure and education.

Funding and organizational structure

The institute is funded through a combination of foundation grants, contributions from labor unions, and individual donors. Major foundation supporters have historically included the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Union contributions have come from organizations like the AFL-CIO and the Service Employees International Union. It is governed by a Board of Directors that includes economists, former government officials, and labor leaders. The president, Thea Lee, previously served as deputy chief of staff at the AFL-CIO and has extensive experience in international trade policy.

Impact and recognition

The institute's research is frequently cited by policymakers, journalists, and academics in debates over economic policy. Its data and analysis on topics like the productivity-pay gap are routinely featured in major media outlets including *The New York Times*, *The Washington Post*, and on networks like NPR. The work of its economists has informed legislative efforts on issues such as raising the minimum wage in states and cities across the country. While often aligned with the policy goals of the Democratic Party, the institute maintains its non-partisan research focus and its findings are used by a broad spectrum of advocates concerned with economic justice and labor rights.

Category:Think tanks based in Washington, D.C. Category:Economic research institutes Category:Organizations established in 1986