Sandy Black
@econsandy.bsky.social
Professor of Economics at the University of Texas at Austin and Former Member of Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, animal-lover. Health Insurance is a human right. Poverty is a policy choice.
Reposted by Sandy Black
Want to help some of the most vulnerable young people in society get on in life?
Then extend the age at which young adults leave foster care, says this fascinating new US study by @khmusen.bsky.social
The effects - particularly on employment rates - are significant.
katemusen.com/uploads/jmp....
Then extend the age at which young adults leave foster care, says this fascinating new US study by @khmusen.bsky.social
The effects - particularly on employment rates - are significant.
katemusen.com/uploads/jmp....
katemusen.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Want to help some of the most vulnerable young people in society get on in life?
Then extend the age at which young adults leave foster care, says this fascinating new US study by @khmusen.bsky.social
The effects - particularly on employment rates - are significant.
katemusen.com/uploads/jmp....
Then extend the age at which young adults leave foster care, says this fascinating new US study by @khmusen.bsky.social
The effects - particularly on employment rates - are significant.
katemusen.com/uploads/jmp....
Reposted by Sandy Black
Hannah also finds a tradeoff between schedule unpredictability and wages: when the minimum wage is increased, scheduling unpredictability increases too.
Suggests another margin that firms are able to cut costs on when minimum wages increase.
(parallels with our work on workplace injuries).
Suggests another margin that firms are able to cut costs on when minimum wages increase.
(parallels with our work on workplace injuries).
November 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Hannah also finds a tradeoff between schedule unpredictability and wages: when the minimum wage is increased, scheduling unpredictability increases too.
Suggests another margin that firms are able to cut costs on when minimum wages increase.
(parallels with our work on workplace injuries).
Suggests another margin that firms are able to cut costs on when minimum wages increase.
(parallels with our work on workplace injuries).
Reposted by Sandy Black
2. Firms pass demand risk onto workers: Hannah shows that on bad-weather days (when fewer people come to buy things from these retail & hospitality businesses), there are more last-minute shift cancellations.
In most jobs, the firm bears the risk of demand shocks unless extreme (-> layoffs).
In most jobs, the firm bears the risk of demand shocks unless extreme (-> layoffs).
November 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
2. Firms pass demand risk onto workers: Hannah shows that on bad-weather days (when fewer people come to buy things from these retail & hospitality businesses), there are more last-minute shift cancellations.
In most jobs, the firm bears the risk of demand shocks unless extreme (-> layoffs).
In most jobs, the firm bears the risk of demand shocks unless extreme (-> layoffs).
Reposted by Sandy Black
This is a fascinating paper. It's the first (afaik) to actually document food&drink&retail scheduling unpredictability using actual firm data.
It illustrates v clearly why unpredictable scheduling makes these jobs so difficult:
It illustrates v clearly why unpredictable scheduling makes these jobs so difficult:
Check out Hannah awesome JMP on job schedule unpredictability and how minimum wage policy affects such unpredictability: hannahfarkas.github.io/files/The_Ec...
November 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
This is a fascinating paper. It's the first (afaik) to actually document food&drink&retail scheduling unpredictability using actual firm data.
It illustrates v clearly why unpredictable scheduling makes these jobs so difficult:
It illustrates v clearly why unpredictable scheduling makes these jobs so difficult:
Reposted by Sandy Black
Check out Hannah awesome JMP on job schedule unpredictability and how minimum wage policy affects such unpredictability: hannahfarkas.github.io/files/The_Ec...
November 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Check out Hannah awesome JMP on job schedule unpredictability and how minimum wage policy affects such unpredictability: hannahfarkas.github.io/files/The_Ec...
Reposted by Sandy Black
Excited to see my JMP cited in the Economist—it highlights the tradeoffs workers could face with a higher minimum wage and suggests more worker protections like Fair Workweek laws could be important alongside minimum wage increases
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
November 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Excited to see my JMP cited in the Economist—it highlights the tradeoffs workers could face with a higher minimum wage and suggests more worker protections like Fair Workweek laws could be important alongside minimum wage increases
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
Hannah's work shows that, when the minimum wage increases, schedule unpredictability goes up too. Perhaps not surprising (but very hard to show)--as the wage goes up, workers pay in other ways. She is on the market and has a number of very cool and important papers!
hannahfarkas.github.io
hannahfarkas.github.io
Excited to see my JMP cited in the Economist—it highlights the tradeoffs workers could face with a higher minimum wage and suggests more worker protections like Fair Workweek laws could be important alongside minimum wage increases
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
www.economist.com/finance-and-...
November 25, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Hannah's work shows that, when the minimum wage increases, schedule unpredictability goes up too. Perhaps not surprising (but very hard to show)--as the wage goes up, workers pay in other ways. She is on the market and has a number of very cool and important papers!
hannahfarkas.github.io
hannahfarkas.github.io
Reposted by Sandy Black
Hey, #EconSky!
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is here @usbls.bsky.social!
bsky.app/profile/usbl...
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is here @usbls.bsky.social!
bsky.app/profile/usbl...
November 21, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Hey, #EconSky!
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is here @usbls.bsky.social!
bsky.app/profile/usbl...
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is here @usbls.bsky.social!
bsky.app/profile/usbl...
Reposted by Sandy Black
I’m on the #EconJobMarket! I study labor, extreme weather adaptation, and inequality.
My JMP addresses an under-studied aspect of the labor market: schedule unpredictability among hourly workers in the service sector.
🧵👇
My JMP addresses an under-studied aspect of the labor market: schedule unpredictability among hourly workers in the service sector.
🧵👇
November 14, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I’m on the #EconJobMarket! I study labor, extreme weather adaptation, and inequality.
My JMP addresses an under-studied aspect of the labor market: schedule unpredictability among hourly workers in the service sector.
🧵👇
My JMP addresses an under-studied aspect of the labor market: schedule unpredictability among hourly workers in the service sector.
🧵👇
SoLE deadline extended until Monday morning!
*If the U.S. government shutdown is affecting your ability to access data/materials to finish your paper, please submit a long abstract with the understanding that you will post an updated paper when you are able and note that in the abstract!
*If the U.S. government shutdown is affecting your ability to access data/materials to finish your paper, please submit a long abstract with the understanding that you will post an updated paper when you are able and note that in the abstract!
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
SOLE 2026 Submissions Open
mailchi.mp
October 31, 2025 at 6:02 PM
SoLE deadline extended until Monday morning!
*If the U.S. government shutdown is affecting your ability to access data/materials to finish your paper, please submit a long abstract with the understanding that you will post an updated paper when you are able and note that in the abstract!
*If the U.S. government shutdown is affecting your ability to access data/materials to finish your paper, please submit a long abstract with the understanding that you will post an updated paper when you are able and note that in the abstract!
Reposted by Sandy Black
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
SOLE 2026 Submissions Open
mailchi.mp
August 19, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
Reposted by Sandy Black
What’s spooky about Oct 31? 👻🎃 It is the deadline for SOLE! I’m on the scientific committee so pls send lots of great submissions for me to look through!!!!
October 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM
What’s spooky about Oct 31? 👻🎃 It is the deadline for SOLE! I’m on the scientific committee so pls send lots of great submissions for me to look through!!!!
So excited to be working with @jrothst.bsky.social and the amazing program committee to make this year's SoLE annual meeting the best ever-don't forget to submit your paper so you can join us there!
www.sole-jole.org/2026-program...
www.sole-jole.org/2026-program...
October 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
So excited to be working with @jrothst.bsky.social and the amazing program committee to make this year's SoLE annual meeting the best ever-don't forget to submit your paper so you can join us there!
www.sole-jole.org/2026-program...
www.sole-jole.org/2026-program...
Just a reminder to submit your papers to SoLE!!! It will be a great conference, with not-to-be-missed keynotes by Janet Currie, Kerwin Charles, and Jeff Smith! Avoid FOMO and submit!
🥳
🥳
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
SOLE 2026 Submissions Open
mailchi.mp
October 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Just a reminder to submit your papers to SoLE!!! It will be a great conference, with not-to-be-missed keynotes by Janet Currie, Kerwin Charles, and Jeff Smith! Avoid FOMO and submit!
🥳
🥳
Reposted by Sandy Black
The @newyorkfed.bsky.social will hold a webinar on Demystifying A Career Path in Economics
Econ is such a flexible degree that students are often overcome by the Paradox of Choice. Learn more here.
Wednesday, September 24
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Learn more and register: cvent.me/kYye3K
Econ is such a flexible degree that students are often overcome by the Paradox of Choice. Learn more here.
Wednesday, September 24
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Learn more and register: cvent.me/kYye3K
Demystifying A Career Path in Economics
cvent.me
September 22, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The @newyorkfed.bsky.social will hold a webinar on Demystifying A Career Path in Economics
Econ is such a flexible degree that students are often overcome by the Paradox of Choice. Learn more here.
Wednesday, September 24
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Learn more and register: cvent.me/kYye3K
Econ is such a flexible degree that students are often overcome by the Paradox of Choice. Learn more here.
Wednesday, September 24
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Learn more and register: cvent.me/kYye3K
Reposted by Sandy Black
If you'll be on the #EconJobMarket this coming year, you may want to join this webinar by @aereorg.bsky.social, titled, "Navigating Uncertain Waters: Advice for the Current Job Market," with Min Gong & @adrienneohler.bsky.social. 29 Sept 2025 @ 11am ET.
August 22, 2025 at 1:03 PM
If you'll be on the #EconJobMarket this coming year, you may want to join this webinar by @aereorg.bsky.social, titled, "Navigating Uncertain Waters: Advice for the Current Job Market," with Min Gong & @adrienneohler.bsky.social. 29 Sept 2025 @ 11am ET.
Reposted by Sandy Black
Submit that new research project of yours and I will see you in Denver.
Will be a great conference!
Will be a great conference!
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
SOLE 2026 Submissions Open
mailchi.mp
August 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Submit that new research project of yours and I will see you in Denver.
Will be a great conference!
Will be a great conference!
Reposted by Sandy Black
Among my favorite conferences!
Note the October 31 submission deadline 👇🏽
Note the October 31 submission deadline 👇🏽
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
SOLE 2026 Submissions Open
mailchi.mp
August 19, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Among my favorite conferences!
Note the October 31 submission deadline 👇🏽
Note the October 31 submission deadline 👇🏽
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
SOLE 2026 Submissions Open
mailchi.mp
August 19, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Society of Labor Economists (SoLE) Annual Conference will be May 1-2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. Submission portal is now open! Deadline for submissions is October 31--don't forget to submit! It will be a great conference! (organized by me and @jrothst.bsky.social)
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
mailchi.mp/sole-jole/so...
Reposted by Sandy Black
A monthly employment report isn't a privilege. It's the law.
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?e...
h/t @claudia-sahm.bsky.social
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?e...
h/t @claudia-sahm.bsky.social
August 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM
A monthly employment report isn't a privilege. It's the law.
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?e...
h/t @claudia-sahm.bsky.social
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?e...
h/t @claudia-sahm.bsky.social
Reposted by Sandy Black
I don’t think I have ever publicly criticized any Presidential nominee before.
But E.J. Antoni is completely unqualified to be BLS Commissioner. He is an extreme partisan and does not have any relevant expertise.
He would be a break from decades of nonpartisan technocrats.
But E.J. Antoni is completely unqualified to be BLS Commissioner. He is an extreme partisan and does not have any relevant expertise.
He would be a break from decades of nonpartisan technocrats.
August 11, 2025 at 11:19 PM
I don’t think I have ever publicly criticized any Presidential nominee before.
But E.J. Antoni is completely unqualified to be BLS Commissioner. He is an extreme partisan and does not have any relevant expertise.
He would be a break from decades of nonpartisan technocrats.
But E.J. Antoni is completely unqualified to be BLS Commissioner. He is an extreme partisan and does not have any relevant expertise.
He would be a break from decades of nonpartisan technocrats.
Reposted by Sandy Black
I’m glad Marisa mentioned this. In certain circles there is - correctly! - laser focus on this catastrophe but it can be hard to get the story through to people, in no small part because it’s so upsetting and bleak and enraging that some deep part of people shuts down and rejects it.
I think it’s worth noting this piece generated the most unsubscribes I’ve seen in a while, and the newsletter version had the lowest open rate in many months. These horrors persist in part because too many people go to great pains to avoid them.
Read my latest:
July 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I’m glad Marisa mentioned this. In certain circles there is - correctly! - laser focus on this catastrophe but it can be hard to get the story through to people, in no small part because it’s so upsetting and bleak and enraging that some deep part of people shuts down and rejects it.
This is horrific. And it is happening under our watch (and, even worse, with our assistance).
In Gaza, finding food, which was already scarce, has become a deadly endeavor. Our reporter explains why.
Listen to "The Daily."
Listen to "The Daily."
How Seeking Food in Gaza Has Become So Deadly
Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over the past month near aid hubs set up under a new Israeli-backed system, according to Gaza health officials.
trib.al
July 24, 2025 at 4:15 PM
This is horrific. And it is happening under our watch (and, even worse, with our assistance).
Reposted by Sandy Black
A timely and trenchant piece by Suresh Naidu. When future generations sift through the wreckage of our era, they’ll find it strewn with the institutional and personal failures of leaders both great and small.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/o...
Opinion | Columbia’s Administrators Are Fooling Themselves
www.nytimes.com
July 24, 2025 at 3:16 AM
A timely and trenchant piece by Suresh Naidu. When future generations sift through the wreckage of our era, they’ll find it strewn with the institutional and personal failures of leaders both great and small.
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/o...
Walking on campus, I was just thinking how hard it is to be a grad student. It was by far the hardest thing I have done professionally, and there were many days (and nights!) when I was certain I would never come up with a job market paper (or, any paper, really). Grad students, hang in there!🤗
July 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Walking on campus, I was just thinking how hard it is to be a grad student. It was by far the hardest thing I have done professionally, and there were many days (and nights!) when I was certain I would never come up with a job market paper (or, any paper, really). Grad students, hang in there!🤗