“This recovery really stretched the limits of what policymakers thought was possible for Black workers,” said Jessica Fulton, interim president at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that focuses on issues for people and communities of color. “We were in a situation where folks accepted that Black unemployment was going to always be high and there was nothing that they could do about it. So I think this is an opportunity to continue to push the limits of what’s possible.”

“People know what’s possible,” notes Jessica Fulton, the interim president at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and a proponent of bringing back the enhanced child tax credit.

Her argument is that a jump in poverty after the credit expired and new fiscal challenges that await poorer Americans in the coming months — from student loan payments to the expiration of other aid programs — could increase the urgency for action.

“People having the opportunity to see that and feel what that meant for their day-to-day lives was really important,” she added.

“With the confirmation of these three historic nominees, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors will be even better equipped to provide insights into formulating monetary policies that better address the needs of the diverse communities that make up our economy,” said Jessica Fulton, interim president of the Joint Center and vice president, policy. “Dr. Cook, Dr. Jefferson, and Dr. Kugler each bring extensive economic policy experience and deep macroeconomic and labor market expertise, which collectively positions the Fed to better shape economic policy to advance the needs of our racially diverse nation. Their insight and experience will provide much-needed perspectives to support all communities.”

AUG 10, 2022

Jessica Fulton, vice president of policy at the Black think tank, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, told theGrio that the IRA “provides a downpayment on many of the key priorities for Black communities,” including “improving access to affordable health care, keeping our air and water clean and safe, and beginning to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.”

Fulton said she is also pleased that the Inflation Reduction Act is projected to create millions of jobs over the next decade. However, she warned that Black communities “must continue to hold the Biden administration accountable to ensure that these are good jobs that Black workers can use to support themselves and their families, invest in their communities and expand their opportunities.”