La Grange: In the wake of Michigan becoming the tenth U.S. state to legalize marijuana on Tuesday, new research finds that the taxation and regulation of marijuana in Illinois could create nearly 24,000 new jobs, boost the state’s economy by $1 … Continue reading Study: Marijuana Legalization Would Benefit Illinois Taxpayers and Boost Economy
Between one-third and one-half of the rise in income inequality in America is due to the declining real value of the minimum wage. Continue reading “Boost Worker Incomes by Raising Illinois’ Minimum Wage”
La Grange: An increase to Illinois’ state minimum wage would grow the state’s economy and boost the paychecks of as many as 1.4 million workers by up to $6,000, according to new research from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) … Continue reading Higher Minimum Wage Could Mean A $6,000 Raise For As Many As 1.4 Million Illinois Workers
The Summer 2018 Edition of ILEPI’s newsletter, Illinois Insights, has been released. Continue reading “Illinois Insights Summer 2018 Edition”
International Women’s Day Sharpens Focus on Gender Inequality at Work
Continue reading “New Study Highlights Gender Gaps in Corporate Leadership”
Eliminating the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program would directly impact more than 464,000 people in Illinois; state and local governments would lose access to $116 million in federal funding. Continue reading “Eliminating the Community Development Block Grant Program Would Hurt the Illinois Economy”
The future of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is uncertain under the Trump Administration, but eliminating the program would bring negative consequences to Illinois’ workers and economy. Continue reading “The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Benefits the Illinois Economy”
Eliminating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program would Hurt Students, Low-Income Families, and the Illinois Economy. Continue reading “Federal Tax Cuts Would Put Billionaires Ahead of Working Families”
A thriving economy is dependent upon affordable, low-carbon energy. As nuclear energy currently serves as a pillar of electricity production in Illinois and is emission-free, it should be looked upon to serve as the foundation of future clean energy. A Policy Brief [PDF] by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute explores nuclear energy’s role in Illinois’ energy future. State policymakers should carefully consider the path to reaching future emissions standards and the ramifications of nuclear plant retirements. Continue reading “Nuclear Energy is the Foundation for a Clean Energy Future in Illinois”
State of Illinois needs to invest more – not less – in higher education. A new ILEPI Economic Commentary examines the rising costs of higher education in Illinois’ public 4-year universities and the potential economic gains associated with lowering tuition costs. … Continue reading Illinois Would Benefit from Affordable Tuition
Governments utilize policies to impact the efficiency of labor markets. These policies are designed to increase employment by encouraging people to look for work, make it easier for people to get to work, provide support for people who are working, … Continue reading State Policies That Support Employment
Poll: Illinois’ Top Economics and Policy Professors Support Infrastructure Investment, Anti-Discrimination Laws, Public Education, Marijuana Legalization, and Action on Climate Change Respondents more mixed on minimum wage laws and labor unions A new poll of academics from accredited university programs … Continue reading The Views of Top Economics and Policy Professors in Illinois
The Illinois Update 