EARN Notice
A monthly newsletter from the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN)


** EARN Notice January 2026
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Greetings EARN community,

I’m writing this EARN Notice letter from the suburbs of Minneapolis. After years of rightwing commentators falsely trying to portray the Twin Cities as a war zone, the Trump Administration has finally made it one themselves. They have deployed thousands of federal agents who are kidnapping people off the street, firing pepper balls and throwing tear gas canisters with abandon, and, of course, murdering Renee Nicole Good.

This comes at the end of Trump’s long first year of his second term, one that has been very bad for working families. Trump has overseen a decidedly weakened ([link removed]) labor market and has utterly failed to address rising concern ([link removed]) s about affordability. You can’t talk about “affordability” without talking about pay, and the two best methods to raise worker pay – the minimum wage and unions – are nowhere on the Trump agenda. The ending of health insurance premium tax credits enacted under the American Rescue Plan Act are going to harm millions ([link removed]) . Trump’s crackdown on immigrants is
already hurting all working families ([link removed]) regardless of citizenship.

But everywhere, together, we persist. The EARN network’s focus on fighting for change at the state and local level is more important than ever in the face of a federal government uninterested in looking out for working families.

We’re eager to stay in touch and know how we can support your legislative priorities, as well as to know what’s worrying you and what’s exciting you about the year ahead. Connection matters, especially in perilous times.

Solidarity,
Dave Kamper
EPI Senior State Policy Strategist


** New Publications
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[link removed]
Why Raising the Minimum Wage is a Win for Oklahoma's Youth ([link removed]) (December 15)

[link removed]
Want to Address Affordability? Increase the Minimum Wage ([link removed]) (January 15)

[link removed]
5 Things to Know About North Carolina’s Economy as 2026 Begins ([link removed]) (January 12)

[link removed]
Oregonians Need Just-Cause Employment ([link removed]) (January 15)


** Upcoming EPI Events
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EPI Webinar: Who's Got the Power?
Wednesday, January 28th at 5:30pm ET
We would like to invite you to join us for a conversation with Economic Policy Institute Senior Strategist Dave Kamper about his exciting new book, Who’s Got the Power?: The Resurgence of American Unions. The last year has been a difficult one for workers and their unions, but organized labor entered the second Trump administration more united, militant, and organized than any other time this century. Dave Kamper tells that story in his new book. All in-person attendees will receive a complimentary copy.
1225 I Street NW, Washington DC xxxxxx, Suite 600
For those that are unable to join in person, we hope that you will be able to join via Zoom.
Register here ([link removed])


** Upcoming EARN Events
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EARN 101: Wednesday, February 11th at 3pm ET
This is a great opportunity for new staff and interns to learn about the network, resources we provide and how we work with an array of partners (union, grassroots, state and local government) to advance worker power and racial and gender justice. The webinar will include a demo of some of our data resources and offer guidance on how staff can take advantage of EPI's and the network's deep well of expertise.
Register here ([link removed])

Unions 101: Wednesday, February 18th at 3pm ET
This webinar will discuss what unions do, who today’s union members are, and why state labor policy matters for racial, gender, and economic justice and democracy. Whether you’re new to working with unions or have years of experience, we invite you to bring your questions, ideas, and experience to this interactive Zoom workshop to discuss the roles unions play in the workplace and economy, how state policies shape workers’ union rights, and opportunities to deepen labor partnerships in state issue campaigns--especially at a moment of intense federal attacks on workers and their unions.
Register here ([link removed])

Save the Date: EARNCon 2026
September 30-October 2, 2026
in Washington D.C. More details to come. In the meantime, let us know what you want to learn about at EARNCon 2026! If you attended EARNCon 2025 please share via the feedback survey here ([link removed]) . Otherwise, please feel free to reach out at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

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