COVID-19 and Black America, SNAP's Work Requirement Rule, and More

April 10, 2020

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Crises like the coronavirus pandemic often exacerbate inequalities and structural problems. This is especially apparent with the disproportionate rates at which Black Americans are contracting and dying from the coronavirus. Rashawn Ray lays out why Black Americans are so at risk.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s work requirement rule for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was scheduled to go into effect on April 1. While work requirements have been suspended temporarily during the COVID-19 crisis, they will return. Lauren Bauer, Jana Parsons, and Jay Shambaugh examine the implications for vulnerable households and the U.S. economy.

Without effective support for Africa’s informal businesses and the urban poor, it is only a matter of time before social distancing restrictions created to combat COVID-19 will start to crumble. Addisu Lashitew calls on policymakers to establish emergency social safety net programs that offer a lifeline to those severely affected by the economic lockdown.

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