Labor Market Analysis and Labor Policymaking in the Nation's Capital

Abstract

The author, who served as chief economist (CHECO) at the U.S. Department of Labor in 2011 and 2012, discusses her work in the department and the nature of government policy-making in the areas of labor and employment. She lauds the extent to which policy-making in the department is based on empirical evidence and economic analysis and says greater interaction between the department and academic economists who can provide such evidence and analysis would be beneficial. She offers figures on the ongoing labor market effects of the 2008 financial crisis and ensuing recession and discusses the department's efforts to address problems including long-term unemployment and the problems of African American and Hispanic workers.