In Minnesota, construction workers are productive, high-skilled, and well-paid. Over 30 percent of these workers are members of a union. To maintain and increase membership, trade unions in Minnesota must continually demonstrate how workers benefit from contributing dues. An analysis by … Continue reading Unionized Construction Workers in Minnesota Get Back $5.59 for Every Dollar Paid in Dues
A new Economic Commentary by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute details how prevailing wage is the local market rate in Winnebago County. Continue reading “Five Reasons Why Prevailing Wage Works in Winnebago County”
A new study released today finds that organized labor still plays a role in Wisconsin’s economy, despite a decline of approximately 136,000 union members over the past decade. The study, The State … Source: The State of Wisconsin’s Unions in … Continue reading The State of Wisconsin’s Unions in 2016
What impact does international free trade have on the Illinois economy? Is it mostly good, mostly bad, or somewhere in between? How can Illinois capitalize on the benefits of trade while mitigating the losses? A new report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign investigates. Continue reading “Is International Trade Good or Bad for Illinois?”
The Illinois Economic Policy Institute urges the public to vote Yes on the Safe Roads Amendment to the state’s Constitution. Continue reading “Better Roads Ahead”
The Wisconsin State Journal recently debunked claims that a road flagger earning the state’s prevailing wage takes home over $100,000 a year. Source: Wisconsin State Journal: “$100k A Year for Road Flaggers” Claim is Nonsense Continue reading Wisconsin State Journal: “$100k A Year for Road Flaggers” Claim is Nonsense
The majority of high-wage, low-inequality jobs in Illinois are in construction occupations, law enforcement careers, and firefighting positions. Politically-driven efforts to repeal the state’s prevailing wage law or to weaken public sector unions would decimate a majority of the middle-class occupations that remain for blue-collar workers in the state.
The State of Illinois should restore investment in wind power and other clean energy infrastructure to at least 2015 levels, according to the Illinois Economic Policy Institute in a new Economic Commentary [PDF].
Wind power generates positive impacts for the people of Illinois. Previous investments already prevent the emission of 7.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from Illinois and save 4.5 billion gallons of water every year. In addition, wind power has saved Illinois residents millions of dollars.
Continue reading “Illinois Should Restore Wind Energy Funding”
Despite GDP Growth, Motor Fuel Tax Revenue Declines in Illinois
Despite modest economic growth, motor fuel tax revenue has fallen significantly in Illinois. The Illinois economy has grown by 31.2% since 2005, not adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, an analysis of Illinois’ Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports finds that nominal motor fuel tax revenue collected has fallen by 9.4% since 2005.
Continue reading “The Decline of Motor Fuel Tax Revenue in Illinois”
The Midwest’s transportation systems must be modernized to alleviate congestion, reduce motorist costs and injuries, and provide a world-class infrastructure that attracts businesses to locate in the region. Not investing in infrastructure is costing motorists more per year in vehicle … Continue reading Infrastructure in the Midwest
A case study from Southern Indiana demonstrates how weakening prevailing wage negatively impacts local contractors and local workers.
Continue reading “Weakening Prevailing Wage Hurts Local Contractors”
The Illinois Economic Policy Institute is pleased to announce the launch of The Illinois Update, an educational media project designed to report on public policies that impact Illinois and the Midwest. Continue reading “Welcome to The Illinois Update!”
The Illinois Update 