Economic Transformation

America’s economy is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological disruption, shifting labor markets, and evolving policy debates about fairness and opportunity. From artificial intelligence reshaping the workplace to
the shrinking middle class
and changing work arrangements, these shifts raise critical questions about how government should respond.

Work and Employment in Transition

The nature of work is changing rapidly, from
AI that clones employees
to the rise of
the side hustle economy
and expanding
remote work.
At the same time,
labor unions are struggling
even as
their role has evolved since the 1930s, reshaping worker power.

Inequality and Policy Responses

Debates over
how Americans view economic inequality
intersect with
tax policy’s impact on wealth
and disputes over
capital gains taxes,
sales taxes,
and
minimum wage increases.
Proposals such as
universal basic income in the age of AI
and broader
government policies that help everyone
highlight different paths for addressing inequality.

Building Skills and Opportunity

As transformation accelerates, education and training become vital. Federal programs such as
WIOA
and
AEFLA
support workers in transition, while
free job training and placement programs,
local apprenticeships,
and
job training for people with disabilities
expand access to opportunity.