Membership Declined Over Past Decade; New Organizing Occurring Most for Women and Young Workers; Military Veterans and African American Workers Most Likely to Be Union Members La Grange, IL: Last year, the number of workers who are union members in … Continue reading REPORT: Illinois’ Union Membership Grew Last Year for First Time Since 2017

Data Shows Unions Producing Better Outcomes for Workers, Worksites, and Public Budgets La Grange, IL: Illinois workers earn higher wages, deliver higher levels of productivity, are more likely to have health insurance, and are substantially less likely to suffer workplace … Continue reading Study: Workers’ Rights Amendment Would Promote Higher Job Quality for Workers and Essential Industries in Illinois

As Rebuild Illinois enters its fourth year, a new Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) study evaluates the state’s progress implementing transportation projects. This report provides a complete analysis of IDOT revenues, expenditures, and project spending for FYs 2020 and 2021, … Continue reading NEW STUDY: Analysis of Rebuild Illinois Transportation Spending in First Two Years

La Grange, IL:  A national survey of more than 2,200 registered nurses (RNs) conducted in the fall of 2021 reveals that the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic and current industry staffing practices have together left a majority of RNs considering … Continue reading NATIONAL SURVEY: Stress and Lack of Staffing Standards Cause Majority of Nurses to Say They Could Leave Profession

Kentucky’s 2017 repeal of prevailing wage failed to provide any cost savings on road construction projects. That’s the takeaway from a new peer-reviewed article in Public Works Management & Policy authored by ILEPI’s Frank Manzo IV, former ILEPI Midwest Researcher … Continue reading Kentucky’s Repeal of Prevailing Wage Failed to Save Money on Highway Projects

La Grange, IL: Illinois’ plans to expand broadband infrastructure by 2025 will connect nearly 565,000 residents to high-speed internet, create nearly 25,000 jobs, grow the economy by billions of dollars, and generate sufficient tax revenues to pay for itself within … Continue reading STUDY: Planned Expansion of Illinois Broadband Infrastructure Will Create 25,000 Jobs, Boost Economy by Billions, and Pay for Itself in Less Than a Decade

La Grange, IL:  A review of 2018-2021 Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) surveys of more than 5,000 member firms nationwide reveals that nonunion construction firms are facing significantly greater workforce supply problems than their union counterparts, and that these … Continue reading Contractor Surveys: The Construction Labor Shortage is Less Severe for Union Firms

Illinois will receive at least $16 billion in road, bridge, transit, and other transportation focused funding.

Continue reading “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Transportation Funding for Illinois”

Researchers Warn That Without Local Hire Protections, Economic Benefits Would Be Muted La Grange, IL: Wisconsin’s stated goal of transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2050 could grow the state’s economy by $21 billion, create more than 34,000 jobs, and … Continue reading STUDY: 100% Clean Energy Will Grow Wisconsin Economy by $21 Billion, Create 34,000 Jobs

Being Guaranteed a $15 Minimum Wage as Employees Would Give Drivers a Raise and Strengthen Public Budgets Researchers Conclude Chicago’s Rideshare Drivers Currently Earn Less than Minimum Wage La Grange, IL: According to an analysis of Chicago area rideshare data … Continue reading STUDY: Chicago’s Gig Drivers Are Being Paid Less Than Minimum Wage