The State of Young America: The Push for Policy Advocates

December 5, 2011 at 4:19 pm · Filed under News and Developments, The Legal Industry and Economy

by Kristen Pavón

I attended a Center for American Progress panel discussion about the results of a recent poll of young adults between 18 and 34 on their economic situation and expectations. The poll asked young adults about 1) jobs and the economy, 2) higher education, 3) health care and wellness, 4) cost of living, and 5) raising a family.

The panelists were:

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the results were mostly dismal. However, we (young adults) are still hopeful despite the current outlook. The panelists stressed the importance of young adults getting involved in policy work and becoming leaders in their communities to create change.

Here are few of the numbers from the poll:

  • 68% of respondents believe that it has become harder to make ends meet over the last four years.
  • 48% of respondents believe that their generation will be worse off than their parents.
  • 77% believe they can achieve the “American Dream.”
  • 57% say they would like to be working and earning more.
  • 44% of workers have taken jobs outside of their fields while waiting for a better opportunity.
  • Almost 40% say they have delayed starting or continuing college or training because of the economy.
  • Education or training was cited as the most important factor to getting ahead in the economy.
  • 27% are uninsured.
  • 52% described their personal financial situations as just fair or poor (Latinos are the most frustrated with their financial situation).

Here are young adults’ top 5 priorities, according to the the poll results:

  1. Creating jobs and growing the economy
  2. Making college affordable
  3. Making post-high school education and training more affordable
  4. Protecting health care services and access for low-income people
  5. Making sure social security is available for people in our generation

Wondering what issue came in last as a top priority for young adults?

  • Reducing the federal debt by cutting spending on entitlements (I found this interesting and maybe even telling of our/my generation).

Policy Solutions

While the panelists used a lot of idealistic language like “tremendous opportunities,” “powerful energy,” and “hopeful,” I was happy to hear some tangible solutions to improving Young America’s economic future.

  • Student loan relief for young entrepreneurs
  • Reform eligibility for student loans and programs for ex-convicts
  • Implementation of a large public jobs bill (for workers to improve national parks/roads/etc)
  • Reform eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit to include young adults under 25
  • Establish a universal system of childcare
  • Implement guaranteed paid leave policy (FMLA leave almost half of employees uncovered because of small employers or their leave is unpaid)

Watch the webcast of the event here.

Pretty interesting stuff. What do you think?