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”
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”
A new poll finds that Illinois’ top economics and policy professors strongly support infrastructure investment, public education, immigration, and international free trade agreements. The state’s economic and policy experts also marginally support labor unions and minimum wage laws, with most in favor of raising Illinois’ minimum wage. Finally, a significant majority do not think that politicians have a strong understanding of economic principles. Continue reading “Survey Says: The Views of Top Economics & Policy Professors in Illinois”
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”
A new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) finds no evidence for the assertion that prevailing wage “inflates” construction worker wages in Illinois. In fact, after analyzing counties along Illinois’ border, the report finds that a higher prevailing wage for operating engineers has no statistical impact on employment or turnover for men working in road construction. Instead, local market conditions are by far the primary drivers of public construction outcomes. Continue reading “Prevailing Wage Is the Local Market Rate in Illinois”
Voters support funding police, schools, infrastructure, and municipal pension deal Continue reading “Chicagoans Willing to Pay More Taxes for Improved Services, Poll Finds”
A new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois finds that apprenticeship programs have significant positive social and economic impacts in Illinois. Continue reading “Illinois’ Construction Apprenticeship Programs Return $11 in Total Benefits for Every Dollar Invested”
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 change is undoubtedly upon Illinois’ energy sector. As illustrated in a new Economic Commentary by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, the recent proliferation of natural gas, the development of renewable energy policies at both the federal and state level, and increased regulations on coal should inspire the state to pursue alternative energy sources to address the state’s energy production deficit and support the environment. Continue reading “Illinois’ Changing Energy Sector”
Female workers continue to experience inequality and discrimination in the Illinois labor market. Continue reading “Not There Yet: The Status of Female Workers in Illinois”
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
The Illinois Update 