WVU's William Franko and Chris Plein are panelists for "The New Economic Populism: How States Respond to Economic Inequality" Thursday (Nov. 2) at 5 p.m.
As the gap in U.S. incomes grows wider, and, according to West Virginia University experts, the federal government fails to address the inequality, it becomes more incumbent on states to enact policies that challenge “today’s massive gap between the rich and the poor.”
William Franko
Assistant Professor
John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics
“(W)hile the federal government has failed to address the expansion of economic inequality in the U.S., many states have responded by passing policies that reduce income differences. Our research suggests that one impetus for state policy action is the public’s awareness of growing inequality. We demonstrate that the public is not only cognizant of rising income differences, but that this awareness is associated with more egalitarian political and policy change.”
William Franko audio file (:56)
Contact information: 304.293.9577; William.franko@mail.wvu.edu
Chris Plein
Professor of Public Administration
Eberly Family Professor for Outstanding Public Service
“(T)he terrain is uneven. Many decades
ago, Justice Louis Brandeis called states the “laboratories of democracy” when
offering innovative policies. But to quote another Supreme Court Justice in
another context, “we must take the bitter with the sweet.” State policies can
also work against equity. This is both the promise and peril of American
federalism. It is here where our conversations must begin and continue.”
Contact information: 304.293.7974; Chris.Plein@mail.wvu.edu
Franko and Plein are part of the panel “The New Economic Populism: How States Respondto Economic Inequality” at 5 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 2) in the Shenandoah Room at the Mountainlair. Franko co-authored a book by the same name. Sean O'Leary, senior policy analyst, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, is also on the panel.
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise, or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVU Today.
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