Sherrod Brown launches nonprofit focused on jobs, economy
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown on Monday announced his first major project since leaving Capitol Hill.
Brown announced the Dignity of Work Institute, which he called a nonpartisan, nonprofit group with a focus on jobs and the economy.
He said both Republicans and Democrats have ignored workers for years -- addressing issues like low wages, overtime and home ownership. Brown said he's hopeful this organization and the research it provides will make the issue a higher priority in Washington.
"Presidents of both parties keep saying the economy is great," Brown said. "Trump said it in his first term, Biden said it, Trump is saying it again. But you ask workers, the economy is not -- it hasn't been for a long time -- serving workers."
In making the announcement, the institute released research that showed 60% of Americans have worked more than one job at the same time, and about 20% have worked three jobs or more at once.
The key takeaways from the study were:
- Working multiple jobs is now a way of life for many
- Workers are so strapped that their definition of "essential" is the bare minimum
- Many feel like the economy is stacked against them
- Americans want big changes to the economy that produce higher incomes and lower costs
- Americans everywhere are struggling, but some groups are hurting more acutely
- Most think their life will improve
- People believe they can succeed but the economy is failing them
"American workers built this country and are working harder than ever, but have less and less to show for it -- they're producing more than ever, but their wages have barely budged and the cost of living keeps getting worse," Brown said in the news release. "Working people have not given up on the American dream, but they know they're working in a rigged system."
Brown declined to discuss any possible run for political office next year.
The long-serving Democrat has been linked to both the race for Ohio governor and the U.S. Senate in 2026.