Tag: high-road economic development

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Public Universities and Community Colleges Boost the Illinois Economy by $16 Billion Every Year

Frank Manzo IV

A recent report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (PMCR) assesses the positive economic impacts of public universities and colleges in Illinois and measures the costs of the two-year budget impasse.  Continue reading “Public Universities and Community Colleges Boost the Illinois Economy by $16 Billion Every Year”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Tax Dollars Should Be Spent on Broad-Based Investments, Not Corporate Subsidies

Frank Manzo IV

Illinois has spent at least $4.9 billion in state and local business subsidies since 2000, after adjusting for inflation. This equates to $288.5 million per year. While these subsidies have saved or created some jobs in the state, Illinois could have created even more jobs and more economic growth if tax dollars had instead been invested in public infrastructure and public education.

Continue reading “Tax Dollars Should Be Spent on Broad-Based Investments, Not Corporate Subsidies”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Illinois Public Universities Were Harmed by State Budget Impasse

Frank Manzo IV

NEW STUDY DOCUMENTS HARMFUL IMPACT OF BUDGET STALEMATE ON ILLINOIS’ PUBLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Two-Year Impasse Led to Reduced Enrollment, Layoffs, and Tuition Hikes Chicago:  The two-year Illinois budget stalemate reduced enrollment in the state’s public colleges and universities by … Continue reading Illinois Public Universities Were Harmed by State Budget Impasse

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Education and Infrastructure Grow the Economy. Other Proposals Being Debated in Illinois Don’t.

Frank Manzo IV

With the State of Illinois finally having a new budget for the first time in two years, the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Economic Policy Institute evaluated the economic research on policy measures currently under consideration by state lawmakers.

The full report is available here: Public Policies That Grow the Illinois Economy: An Evidence-Based Review of the Current Debate.  Continue reading “Education and Infrastructure Grow the Economy. Other Proposals Being Debated in Illinois Don’t.”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

ILEPI Testimony on the Potential IDOT Shutdown

Frank Manzo IV

If Illinois’ state budget crisis is not resolved by June 30, 2017, all existing Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) road, bridge, and transit projects will be stopped.

Yesterday, Frank Manzo IV, Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) Policy Director, testified before the Illinois General Assembly. Please CLICK HERE to read the full testimony. The following is an edited version of the testimony.

Continue reading “ILEPI Testimony on the Potential IDOT Shutdown”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

10 Reasons Why Peoria Remains a Great Place to Do Business

Frank Manzo IV

The Union-Business Case for Firm Relocation and Investment in Illinois and Peoria is available here.

In April 2016, the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Economic Policy Institute jointly released an economic commentary outlining the top ten reasons for a business to locate to the Peoria area in Illinois. The report, which was originally limited to the Peoria area, is now available to the broader public.

Continue reading “10 Reasons Why Peoria Remains a Great Place to Do Business”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Illinois Tollway Board Votes to Move the Route 53/120 Extension Forward

Frank Manzo IV

The Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) supports the Illinois Tollway Board’s decision to advance the proposed Route 53/120 Extension project through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). ILEPI recently released a project analysis which found that demographic and economic trends convincingly … Continue reading The Illinois Tollway Board Votes to Move the Route 53/120 Extension Forward

Uncategorized

A Responsible Bidder Ordinance is a Protection Plan for Taxpayers

Frank Manzo IV

A Responsible Bidder Ordinance (RBO) is a policy that sets minimal requirements for all contractors bidding on publicly-funded projects in a given political jurisdiction. Typically, these requirements include proof of participation in an apprenticeship training program, proof of certificates of insurance, prequalification surveys, and compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. RBOs are a qualifications-based approach to construction contracting for public entities. The policies are a kind of “insurance policy” for taxpayers. The local ordinances establish clear, objective standards that contractors must meet in order to win bids and construct projects funded using taxpayer dollars.

Continue reading “A Responsible Bidder Ordinance is a Protection Plan for Taxpayers”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Illinois Tollway Board Advances the I-294 Central Tri-State Project

Frank Manzo IV

The Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) supports the Illinois Tollway Board’s decision to advance the Central Tri-State project, which will bring far-reaching benefits to the region, including economic development, job creation, and the increased ability to stay competitive.

Continue reading “The Illinois Tollway Board Advances the I-294 Central Tri-State Project”

UncategorizedLeave a comment

In Support of Route 53/120

Mary Tyler

The proposed extension of Route 53/120 will bring jobs to Lake County and improve overall transportation movements for residents by alleviating traffic congestion.  These improvements will make Lake County more attractive to prospective businesses, which will provide significant economic benefits. Construction of the Route 53/120 extension will actually provide a net benefit to the local economy and improve the quality of life for Lake County residents.

Continue reading “In Support of Route 53/120”