On April 14, 2021, professor of economics Belinda Archibong provided testimony in the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee’s remote hearing, titled “Vaccinations and the Economic Recovery.” Drawing on her academic research that investigates how institutions and climate change contribute to unequal access to public services — and the development of capital — Archibong discussed the differential risks and disparities that women, Black people, and other people of color tend to face during economic crises. She argued that any effective economic policy responding to the pandemic’s effects must focus on equitable recovery.
In her remarks, Archibong identified four key strategies Congress must incorporate into recovery plans in order to create equitable outcomes. These strategies included targeting grants towards groups disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, understanding the role of vaccinations in economic recovery and addressing disparities in vaccine access and compliance, supporting and protecting essential workers, and strengthening environmental regulations.