The economy is in the ninth year of an economic boom, now the longest sustained period of economic growth in U.S. history. Economic growth and corporate profits remain strong. The national unemployment rate is at its lowest point in almost thirty years. Defying earlier predictions, a sustained low unemployment rate has not triggered inflation. Instead, inflation is at its lowest rate in 25 years.
Families work many more hours today than they did ten years ago, often just to make ends meet.
The number of people without health insurance continues to climb during the boom. 26 Families work many more hours today than they did ten years ago, often just to make ends meet. 27 One in five children still lives below the poverty line. More Americans are poor today than in 1975. The prevalence of contingent work makes a significant contribution to the persistence of poverty.