Five Reasons Why Prevailing Wage Works in McHenry County
Prevailing wage rates reflect local market conditions in McHenry County. Continue reading “Five Reasons Why Prevailing Wage Works in McHenry County”
Author: Jill Manzo
Jill Manzo is the Midwest Researcher at the Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI). She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Iowa State University. Her research interests include income inequality, infrastructure investment, economic development, education policy, and the labor force.
Illinois Insights – Summer 2017 Edition
The Summer 2017 Edition of ILEPI’s newsletter, Illinois Insights, has been released. Continue reading “Illinois Insights – Summer 2017 Edition”
The State of Illinois’ Unions in 2017
A new study finds that labor unions continue to face both short- and long-term challenges in Illinois. Last year, unionization declined by about 35,000 members in the state. However, the personal benefit to unionization remains strong, as unions raise hourly wages by 8 percent on average in Illinois.
Continue reading “The State of Illinois’ Unions in 2017”
7 Alternative Ways to Fund K-12 Education in Illinois
Illinois needs to revamp its system of funding public education. Continue reading “7 Alternative Ways to Fund K-12 Education in Illinois”
Illinois Teachers are Not Overpaid
A new study finds that public school teachers in Illinois are highly skilled and are compensated accordingly through competitive salaries. Continue reading “Illinois Teachers are Not Overpaid”
Lowering Worker Wages is NOT the Answer
Lowering the wages of construction workers is NOT the way to prosperity.
Continue reading “Lowering Worker Wages is NOT the Answer”
Illinois’ Two-Headed Beast: Pensions and Infrastructure
It is no secret Illinois faces significant financial challenges. A new Policy Brief [PDF] by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute discusses the costs of unfunded pension liabilities and infrastructure deficits in Illinois. Full Report: Illinois’ Two-Headed Beast: Unfunded Pension Liabilities and … Continue reading Illinois’ Two-Headed Beast: Pensions and Infrastructure
What Hillary Clinton’s Infrastructure Plan Would Mean for Illinois
Illinois could potentially receive $10 billion in infrastructure spending over 5 years under Clinton’s proposed comprehensive infrastructure plan, which would annually create over 21,000 new jobs in the state. Continue reading “What Hillary Clinton’s Infrastructure Plan Would Mean for Illinois”
Weakening Wisconsin’s Prevailing Wage Law Will Negatively Impact Veterans
Veterans in Wisconsin’s construction industry are about to be negatively affected by Wisconsin’s 2015-17 Budget Bill.
Continue reading “Weakening Wisconsin’s Prevailing Wage Law Will Negatively Impact Veterans”
The State of Minnesota’s Unions in 2016
Unionization in Minnesota is higher than the national average, at 14.2 percent. Veterans are among the most unionized groups in the state (21.2 percent). Unions raise wages by 11 percent and help close the racial gap in Minnesota. Continue reading “The State of Minnesota’s Unions in 2016”
The Retailer’s Discount Costs Illinois Taxpayers Over $100 Million a Year
The retailer’s discount is a generous corporate welfare program that Illinois can no longer afford. A new report [PDF] finds that Illinois currently dishes out $142 million per year in subsidies to retailers through it 1.75 percent retailer’s discount rate.
Continue reading “The Retailer’s Discount Costs Illinois Taxpayers Over $100 Million a Year”
Reducing Obesity Benefits the Economy
Obesity costs residents and taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Adult obesity alone costs Illinois $4.5 billion a year. To reduce adult obesity, Illinois should adopt policies that promote middle-class jobs, support high levels of education, advocate for a healthy lifestyle, and provide subsidies for healthy foods. These actions would have positive health, well-being, and economic benefits for the state. Continue reading “Reducing Obesity Benefits the Economy”
