Policy for the People
Oregon Center for Public Policy
Welcome to Policy for the People, a show that explores the public policies that can lift up all Oregonians. This show is a collaboration between KMUZ radio (kmuz.org) and the Oregon Center for Public Policy (ocpp.org).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2021 • 32min
Why we need Build Back Better
In this episode, we discuss the Build Back Better legislation before Congress. Samantha Jacoby of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and OCPP's Alejandro Queral explain what this transformational legislation would mean for the nation and Oregon.Support the show
Sep 10, 2021 • 23min
Poor quality jobs abound
In this episode of Policy for the People, we explore the problem of poor quality jobs — jobs that pay too little to adequately support a family and that often come with few if any benefits. OCPP Senior Policy Analyst Janet Bauer explains the dimensions of the problem and what Oregon can do to address it.You can dive deeper into the issue by reading our report Poor Quality Jobs Predominate in Strong Economy. Support the show
Aug 13, 2021 • 24min
Income inequality remains the defining challenge of our times
The latest data confirms the wide disparities by income that existed on the eve of the pandemic. In this show, OCPP Executive Director Alejandro Queral discusses the latest figures on inequality, why economic inequality harms Oregonians, and what kinds of policies changes are needed to shrink inequality.Support the show
Jul 9, 2021 • 38min
Undocumented workers: essential yet excluded
Undocumented workers in Oregon are more likely than not to perform work considered essential during the pandemic, yet they were left out of federal emergency assistance that other workers received. In this episode, Martha Sonato of PCUN, Oregon's farmworker union, and OCPP's Janet Bauer discuss the economic challenges faced by Oregon's undocumented workers.Support the show
Jun 12, 2021 • 24min
Latest revenue forecast says the "kicker" is coming
In the latest episode of Policy for the People, we discuss what the state economists are saying about the economy and tax collections.Support the show
May 15, 2021 • 18min
Rental assistance: a key to stabilizing families
While it may seem obvious, providing rent assistance to those unable to afford the rent is the best way to keep people stably housed.Support the show
Apr 9, 2021 • 22min
The American Rescue Plan Act
This episode of Policy for the People examines the American Rescue Plan Act, enacted by Congress in March 2021. As OCPP Senior Policy Analyst Janet Bauer explains, the plan potentially signals a change in direction toward an economy that aims for shared prosperitySupport the show
Mar 12, 2021 • 30min
Tax policy through a racial equity lens
Although Oregon tax policy is no longer explicitly racist, it continues to entrench and even deepen racial disparities.Support the show
Feb 13, 2021 • 23min
Wage theft is widespread
Wage theft is widespread and pervasive. Part of the reason for that is because greedy employers face no real downside to stealing the wages of their employees.Support the show
