The Center for Economic and Policy Research released the book, Getting Back to Full Employment, a follow-up to a book written in 2003 titled, The Benefits of Full Employment. This new book builds on the evidence presented in The Benefits of Full Employment, showing that real wage growth for workers in the bottom half of the income scale is highly dependent on the overall rate of unemployment. The book also presents a broad set of policies designed to boost growth and get the unemployment rate down to a level where far more workers have a fighting chance of getting ahead.

This report from Mathematica and the Social Security Administration provides the findings of a longitudinal study of when and if Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability recipients return to work and utilize the SSI work incentives such as Ticket to Work. Though the data varied widely across States, it was found that younger SSI recipients are more likely to return to work and forfeit benefits than older recipients. A brief history of the Ticket to Work program is provided.

The Federal Reserve Board released a paper investigating how high-speed home Internet has impacted married women's labor force participation. Results indicate that married women who use the Internet are more likely to participate in the labor force. The study found that increases in participation are concentrated on women with higher levels of education and children. The results suggest home Internet facilitates work-family balance for highly educated women.

The Urban Institute held a roundtable with experts representing a diverse range of perspectives on U.S. workers. They were charged with informing a broad workforce policy agenda that would reflect the nation's changing economic and government landscape. The experts set out to address unemployment and explore innovative approaches to meeting employer demand for skilled workers. This report highlights workforce innovations and practices that attendees felt held the most promise and the most challenges for ensuring a more effective U.S. workforce system.

This article provides a historical look at federal policy as it relates to the employment of people with disabilities over the last 40 years. Of particular interest to TANF stakeholders is the descriptions of integrated employment and EmploymentFirst, two strategies that the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has promoted to help individuals with serious disabilities connect with work.

Offered by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), this Web site lists a wide variety of guides and toolkits for professionals interested in connecting individuals with disabilities with employment. Each publication can be viewed online, or a free copy may be ordered through the mail. Publications include posters, brochures for individuals with disabilities, and tips sheets for professionals.

This report summarizes the short term effects of four current demonstration projects from the Social Security Administration (SSA) on the self-sufficiency of recipients of SSI and SSDI. The random assignment evaluations of these projects will measure long term effects of the demonstration projects when completed. The short term impacts show a slight increase in employment for this population and highlight some of the common challenges these individuals face.

Workforce One developed the Workforce System Strategies' Community Colleges and Workforce Partnership resource page. This page provides research sources related to education and training for unemployed and underemployed adults, with topics and target populations ranging from Community Colleges, Career Pathways, Limited Skills, and Online Trainings.

This recently released research study from the Urban Institute identifies promising approaches that could be implemented within the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Center for Economic Opportunity program to assist the most vulnerable families, of which families escaping domestic violence are included. The research indicates that programs can improve a vulnerable family's employability and savings; however, the most successful interventions are "high touch," longer in length than standard programs, and therefore, more expensive. Also highlighted is the importance of creating partnerships with healthcare providers, as this is often a significant barrier to stability for these families that remains unaddressed.

This discussion paper from the University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research provides analysis of state statutes related to employment protection for survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence is often not viewed as a workplace concern, but as this report highlights, it can be a huge barrier to employment, safety, and ultimately, self-sufficiency. Example policies are provided, as well as implications for employers, human service professionals, and policy makers.