This paper examines the context that gave rise to this particular march demand, presents historical trends in the real (inflation-adjusted) value of the minimum wage and the impact on black workers, and discusses some of the contemporary issues surrounding minimum-wage policies.
Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of enrollments in America’s major public benefits programs are from working families. But many of them work in jobs that pay wages so low that their paychecks do not generate enough income to provide for life’s basic necessities.
This pamphlet was commissioned by the California Speaker’s Commission on Labor Education and produced by the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and answers basic questions about unions and the labor movement. An informative, readable and attractive resource for unions, schools, community groups and others.
“U.S. Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions declined 3.8 percent in 2012. The 2012 downturn means that emissions are at their lowest level since 1994 and over 12 percent below the recent 2007 peak. After 1990, only the recession year of 2009 saw a larger percentage emissions decrease than 2012. Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have declined in 5 out of the last 7 years.”
This comprehensive reference report measures the performance of 16 different state workers’ compensation systems, how they compare with each other, and how they have changed over time.
It has been well documented that the share of the working-age population employed in “middle-skill” occupations has been falling for some time, while the share in lower- and higher-skill jobs has been rising–i.e. “polarization” of the labor market (e.g. Autor 2010). However, the dynamics and related mechanism behind these employment trends are not fully understood; nor is it well understood what happens to workers who are displaced from middle-skill jobs.
The Future of Manufacturing report identified a number of factors that will shape the future of competition between countries and companies. Three areas rose to the top as the most critical: human capital and talent development; innovation and technology advancement; and strategic use of public policy emphasizing collaboration between policy-makers and business leaders.
More than one-quarter (27 percent) of the nation’s major urban roads– Interstates, freeways and other arterial routes – have pavements that are in substandard condition and provide an unacceptably rough ride to motorists, costing the average urban driver $377 annually, a total of $80 billion nationwide. In some areas, driving on deteriorated roadways costs the average driver more than $800 each year. Driving on roads in disrepair increases consumer costs by accelerating vehicle deterioration and depreciation and increasing needed maintenance, fuel consumption and tire wear.
The modern market is characterized by mobile capital and labor, with all types of business, small and large, tending to locate where they have the greatest competitive advantage. The evidence shows that states with the best tax systems will be the most competitive in attracting new businesses and most effective at generating economic and employment growth. It is true that taxes are but one factor in business decision-making. Other concerns, such as raw materials or infrastructure or a skilled labor pool, matter, but a simple, sensible tax system can positively impact business operations with regard to these very resources. Furthermore, unlike changes to a state’s healthcare, transportation, or education systems which can take decades to implement changes to the tax code can quickly improve a state’s business climate.
State personal incomes grew 1.0 percent on average in the second quarter of 2013 after falling 1.3 percent in the first quarter, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income growth ranged from 1.5 percent in Florida and Arizona to -0.7 percent in Nebraska. The national price index for personal consumption expenditures was unchanged in the second quarter after rising 0.3 percent in the first quarter.
This study evaluates the ratepayer impacts of the California net energy metering (NEM) program and fulfills the requirements of Assembly Bill (AB) 2514 (Bradford, 2012)1 and Commission Decision (D.) 12-05-036 to determine “who benefits, and who bears the economic burden, if any, of the net energy metering program,” by October 1, 2013.
Conducted by the L.A. Area Chamber and Beacon Economics, this fourth annual study looks at economic trends by City Council district. The 2013 report compares key economic indicators for each of L.A.’s 15 City Council districts, highlighting annual employment, average wage, tax revenue and building permits over the last year.
California’s economy continues to post strong year-to-year gains but growth no longer appears to be accelerating. Nonfarm employment has increased 1.6% over the past year, producing a net gain of 236,400 jobs. By contrast, employment rose 2.3% during the prior year.
A new way of measuring poverty in California shows that 22 percent of residents lived in poor families in 2011. It also underscores the importance of the social safety net for many families in the state. The safety net’s impact on children is especially dramatic—without the need-based programs included in the new measure, 39 percent (or 3.6 million California children) would be considered poor. A companion report released by the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality examines regional and demographic differences in poverty.
Our eighth annual Best States for Business ranking measures six vital categories for businesses: costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. We factor in 35 points of data to determine the ranks across the six main areas.