PHOTO: SHARON FARMER
GLOBAL ECONOMY ECONOMIC STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT
Economicthe Tracking Tools Global to Combat Economy the through Effects theof Pandemic the Pandemic Distinguished Fellow in Residence Janet L. Yellen
PHOTO: RALPH ALSWANG
B
Robert S. Kerr Senior Fellow Louise Sheiner discusses the implications of hospital productivity trends on Medicare payment policy
8
efore the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. economy was experiencing its longest expansion since World War II and a 50-year low in unemployment. In that context, Economic Studies scholars were focused on improving the foundations of the economy through sound fiscal policy, improved financial stability and payments, productivity, retirement security, health care reform, and policies to support the middle class. The pandemic and the resulting sharp reductions in social and economic activity abruptly altered that trajectory, and Brookings scholars quickly shifted gears to analyze its economic impact and advise policymakers on how to respond.
