Biden picks Bernstein as his economic adviser

CHICAGO - Vice President-elect Joe Biden on Friday named Jared Bernstein as his chief economic policy adviser, a new post created as the nation faces a recession.

Bernstein, a senior economist at the liberal Economic Policy Institute, has been an informal economic adviser to President-elect Barack Obama's campaign. He also served as deputy chief economist under Labor Secretary Robert Reich during the Clinton administration.

In a written statement, Biden called Bernstein a "proven, passionate advocate for raising the incomes of middle class families.

"His expertise and background in a wide range of domestic and international economic policies will be an invaluable asset to the Obama-Biden administration," Biden said.

Bernstein holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts, master's degrees in social work and philosophy and a doctorate in social welfare.

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