Abstract

Our article discusses the formation of a National Investment Employment Corps as a direct alternative to austerity economics. Given the disproportionate effect of the “Great Recession” on African Americans and Latinos, the federal government’s attempt to stimulate the private sector while Congress cuts essential public services and safety nets only begs for disastrous consequences akin to current crises in Europe and throughout the globe, while worsening conditions for aforementioned and other unprivileged groups. Instead, we propose investing in a National Investment Employment Corps to provide a job guarantee for all citizens with the purpose of maintaining and expanding the nation’s physical and human infrastructure. A National Investment Employment Corps program would not only address employment needs for blacks and Latinos, but also serve as a solution over fiscal austerity by providing full-employment while simultaneously ensuring long-term benefits toward the national well-being.

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