Reducing Obesity Benefits the Economy

Obesity costs residents and taxpayers billions of dollars every year. Adult obesity alone costs Illinois $4.5 billion a year. To reduce adult obesity, Illinois should adopt policies that promote middle-class jobs, support high levels of education, advocate for a healthy lifestyle, and provide subsidies for healthy foods. These actions would have positive health, well-being, and economic benefits for the state. Continue reading “Reducing Obesity Benefits the Economy”

Teachers’ Unions Are Associated with Higher Student Test Scores

Educators are the backbone of a strong, well-educated society. High quality and productive educators improve the economic prospects of future generations. It is critically important that students are provided the best environment for learning. Teachers’ unions are an institution that can have … Continue reading Teachers’ Unions Are Associated with Higher Student Test Scores

New Study: Michigan Prevailing Wage Repeal Will Kill Jobs and Hamper Economy

Frank Manzo IV is the Policy Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI). Visit ILEPI at www.illinoisepi.org or follow ILEPI on Twitter @illinoisEPI. Lansing – Just completed research by the Midwest Economic Policy Institute, Colorado State University Economist Kevin Duncan … Continue reading New Study: Michigan Prevailing Wage Repeal Will Kill Jobs and Hamper Economy

Unions Increase Productivity in the Construction Industry

Frank Manzo IV is the Policy Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI). Visit ILEPI at http://www.illinoisepi.org or follow ILEPI on Twitter @illinoisEPI. Recently released data illustrates the strongly positive relationship between unionization and productivity in the construction industry. … Continue reading Unions Increase Productivity in the Construction Industry