Marketplace Morning Report DOGE job cuts have disproportionate effect on Black federal workers
May 21, 2025
The podcast delves into the recent wave of federal job cuts and their disproportionate impact on Black workers, highlighting the vital role these positions play in their financial stability. Personal testimonies and statistics reveal the historical significance of government jobs amid ongoing discrimination. Additionally, it touches on the contentious congressional hearings regarding the Republican tax bill, showcasing internal GOP conflicts and the implications for future tax policies.
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Disproportionate Impact on Black Workers
- African Americans make up 18.5% of the federal civil service but only 12% of total civilian employment.
- Government job cuts disproportionately harm Black workers due to their overrepresentation in federal employment.
Sharia Smith's Layoff Experience
- Sharia Smith, a Black civil rights attorney, lost her federal job amid mass layoffs.
- She highlighted that federal jobs offer stability and benefits valued by many Black Americans.
Federal Jobs Build Wealth and Security
- Government jobs provide long tenure and union protections attractive to Black applicants.
- These roles build long-term wealth and security often unavailable in the private sector.