Bridget Fisher is a researcher and communications specialist with a background in government and public affairs. Before joining SCEPA, she was a senior press officer in The New School’s communications department working with social science departments across the university. She came to higher education from government. In New York, she served as chief of staff for a member of the New York City Council and director of communications for the Working Families Party. On Capitol Hill, she served as press secretary and legislative assistant for a member of the U.S. Congress. Bridget graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor's degree in public communication and women’s studies. She received her master's degree in public administration with a focus on urban economic development from CUNY's Baruch College.
Social Security Financing and Benefits: Myths vs Facts
On May 9th, SCEPA welcomed Economist Stephen Goss, Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration, who has worked in the Office of the Chief Actuary for more than 40 years. Last year, talks of cutting Social Security were rampant, but the program provides vital support for millions of American families across the political and socioeconomic spectrum.
As historic hearings are held in Congress this year on expanding the program, questions abound: Is the program headed for bankruptcy? Is it expensive? How can we keep it solvent? Mr. Goss’ presentation set the record straight on the state of Social Security's financing and benefits. You can view his presentation here.
The Persistence of Extreme Retirement Inequality
In a first-of-its-kind analysis, ReLab’s latest policy note reveals sharp inequalities in retirement wealth.
2018 Annual Report
SCEPA's 2018 Annual Report documents how we advance and translate the bold economic ideas of our non-mainstream economists at The New School to change the course of our future.
The Persistence of Extreme Retirement Inequality
ReLab's study of retirement wealth inequality between 1992 and 2010 finds that the retirement system is failing everyone, with those at the bottom suffering the most. This article has been accepted for publication in a revised form in the journal of Pension Economics and Finance. Our corresponding policy note, "Extreme Inequality is Persistent, Even Among Those With Similar Earnings," discusses policies to address the inequalities baked into our system.
Hudson Yards: $1B in Commercial Subsidies
New York City's Hudson Yards project includes heavily discounted property taxes for Hudson Yards developers.
An Evening with Thomas Piketty
Economist Thomas Piketty discussed the research supporting his best-selling book, Capital in the Twenty-First Century, including the dual contradictions of capitalism that created the sharp divergence between social classes we see today. He warns that the main driver of inequality—the tendency of returns on capital to exceed the rate of economic growth—threatens to stir discontent and undermine democratic values.
Much like Piketty, economists at The New School for Social Research strive to analyze the dynamics of capitalism using historical and empirical analysis and, through SCEPA, its policy implications. Following Piketty's remarks, New School Economics Professor Anwar Shaikh and Executive Director and Chief Economist at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth (and a New School PhD) Heather Boushey (pictured above) joined in a panel discussion to answer the question, where do we go from here?
You can view the entire event below.
The Economics of Medicare for All in the US
Robert Pollin of UMASS will discuss "The Economics of Medicare for All in the US"
May 7, 2019
4:00pm - 6:00pm
The New School
6 East 16th Street, Room 1009
The event is part of the Spring 2019 Seminar Series hosted by SCEPA and The New School Economics Department.
Area Economic Conditions and the Impacts of Robots on the Labor Market Outcomes of Young Adults
William Rodgers of Rutgers University will discuss "Area Economic Conditions and the Impacts of Robots on the Labor Market Outcomes of Young Adults"
April 30, 2019
4:00pm - 6:00pm
The New School
6 East 16th Street, Room 1009
The event is part of the Spring 2019 Seminar Series hosted by SCEPA and The New School Economics Department.
We're All Feminists Now: Endogenizing Social Reproduction in Marxian Economics
Katherine Moos of UMASS will discuss "We're All Feminists Now: Endogenizing Social Reproduction in Marxian Economics"
April 23, 2019
4:00pm - 6:00pm
The New School
6 East 16th Street, Room 1009
The event is part of the Spring 2019 Seminar Series hosted by SCEPA and The New School Economics Department.
Addressing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risks in Retirement Plan Investments
Charles Jeszeck and Sharon Hermes of the U.S. Government Accountability Office will discuss "Addessing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risks in Retirement Plan Investments"
April 16, 2019
4:00pm - 6:00pm
The New School
6 East 16th Street, Room 1009
The event is part of the Spring 2019 Seminar Series hosted by SCEPA and The New School Economics Department.
