Jared Bernstein Named Chief Economist, National Economic Council

Jared Bernstein is an American economist who was named Chief Economist to the Vice President in January 2021. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank that focuses on policies that help low-income families.

Here are three potential things to know about Jared Bernstein:

1. Background: Bernstein has a PhD in Social Welfare from Columbia University and has previously worked as an economist for the Economic Policy Institute and as the Chief Economist and Economic Adviser to Vice President Joe Biden from 2009 to 2011.

2. Policy Priorities: Bernstein is known for his work on issues related to income inequality, poverty, and economic growth. He has advocated for policies such as a higher minimum wage, expanded access to healthcare and education, and increased investments in infrastructure and green energy.

3. Role in the Biden Administration: As Chief Economist to the Vice President, Bernstein is responsible for advising Vice President Kamala Harris on a wide range of economic policy issues. He is also likely to play an important role in shaping the economic policy agenda of the Biden Administration more broadly, including issues such as job creation, economic recovery, and addressing systemic inequality.

Overall, Bernstein's appointment as Chief Economist to the Vice President suggests a continued focus on progressive economic policies by the Biden Administration, and underscores the importance of economic issues in the current political context.