Tag: infrastructure investment

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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.

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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.”

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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

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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.

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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.

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Illinois’ Two-Headed Beast: Pensions and Infrastructure

Jill Gigstad

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

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Survey Says: The Views of Top Economics & Policy Professors in Illinois

Frank Manzo IV

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”