A Wakeup Call for Today’s Modern Workforce

Despite low unemployment numbers, the US faces low labor force participation rates. There are millions of Americans who do not have a job but are not counted as unemployed since they are no longer looking for work. Who are these people, why are they not working, and how can policymakers help?  

Please join the Mercatus Center for an ideologically diverse event on Friday, May 11 to hear two panels discuss research, debate recommendations, and share real-world experiences helping Americans find jobs.

This event is free and open to the general public. This event has been planned in accordance with the widely-attended event exception to congressional gift rules and government ethics memoranda. Breakfast will be provided.

Panel 1

Examining All Angles: Work Requirements, Work Availability, and Education

Nick Timiraos of The Wall Street Journal will moderate a discussion between policy experts Jason Fichtner of the Mercatus Center and Harry Holzer of Georgetown University and Brookings. Both will present policy solutions to address low labor force participation, including the benefits and limitations of work requirements and the need for testing new policies. Further, they will cover how to make work more available and attractive to workers, covering topics such as subsidized jobs, training, and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. 

Panel 2

What Can Help Americans Find Jobs?

Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center will moderate a discussion between Mason Bishop of WorkED Consulting and another experienced practitioner who will share their experiences with local workforce development programs and the major barriers they encounter in helping the public get back to work.

Agenda

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  |  Breakfast and Check-In

10:00 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.  |  Welcome

• Donald J. Boudreaux

10:05 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  |  Panel 1 – Examining All Angles: Work Requirements, Work Availability, and Education

• Jason Fichtner, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center
• Harry Holzer, John LaFarge, Jr. S.J. Chair and Professor, Georgetown University

Moderated by: Nick Timiraos, The Wall Street Journal

11:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.  |  Panel 2 – What Can Help Americans Find Jobs?

• Mason Bishop, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• Sharon Johnson, CEO, Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board, Inc. and Chairperson, Virginia Association of Workforce Directors
• Montez King, Executive Director, NIMS and Appointee to the President’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion
• Mardy Leathers, Director, Missouri Division of Workforce Development

Moderated by Veronique de Rugy, Mercatus Center

11:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  |  Closing Remarks