Illinois Economic Policy Institute

Promoting thoughtful economic growth for businesses and working families.

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Why are Illinois Home Insurance rates going up?

Research from our Economist Frank Manzo IV shows a recent rise in claims, primarily driven by climate patterns and weather. But there's more to the story.

Read more at: https://t.co/IArSO1sGXx

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Happy Independence Day!

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Are millionaires really leaving Illinois because of taxes? The data says otherwise.

IL's highest-income households are the fastest-growing income group, & research shows surtaxes don't drive mass migration. Read our latest blog on what the facts say.

https://t.co/hVGhBam6gM

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

June is #WorkerSafetyMonth. Understanding safety trends in the construction industry is critical because construction is one of the most dangerous occupations. Our 2021 study found union construction worksites to be safer than nonunion sites. More: https://t.co/JOUavSXXSJ

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

On Juneteenth, we celebrate and reflect on the progress that's been made and our continued commitment to the fight for racial, social, and economic justice.

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Student apprenticeship numbers have started to spike in Madison.

Why?

Because union workers, on average, earn more right out of high school than those fresh off a Bachelor's or Master's degree.
https://t.co/kve7H1VU7q

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

In Illinois, union worksites account for just 8% of all OSHA violations even though unions represent 34% of the state’s construction workforce. #WorkerSafetyMonth

More: https://t.co/JOUavSXXSJ

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Housing affordability has worsened in Champaign County, but the area remains more affordable than the rest of the United States, accoring to our study. As of July 2025, Champaign Co.’s average home value was $224,000, up 37 percent since 2019.

Read more: https://t.co/sPoqD75eCx

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Cities and towns across Illinois are taking a look at their housing stock and affordability and looking for solutions. Our research shows the state is short 142,000 housing units and would need to build 227,000 homes over 5 yrs to meet demand.

Read more: https://t.co/19S7wd58TT

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

#WorkerSafetyMonth is about raising awareness about preventable hazards and promoting a safety-first culture. Our 2021 study found that union worksites have fewer OSHA violations and are generally safer than nonunion worksites.

Read more: https://t.co/JOUavSXXSJ

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

ILEPI was proud to present at and attend the 2026 LERA Conference in Minneapolis last week. ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV presented on the impacts of prevailing wage laws as part of a panel moderated by Tim Watkins. He was joined by Todd Stenhouse and Mark Ehrlich.

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

June is #WorkerSafetyMonth. Our 2021 study found that union construction worksites had 34% fewer health and safety violations.

Read more: https://t.co/JOUavSXXSJ

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

ILEPI thanks those who have bravely served our country. Happy Memorial Day!

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Investing in infrastructure delivers strong taxpayer returns. IMPLAN modeling shows every $1B invested in IL infrastructure generates $1.7B–$3.5B in economic activity and supports up to 25K jobs. #InfrastructureWeek

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Check out our latest newsletter: https://t.co/WTNrnJG0lc

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

#InfrastructureWeek is a great reminder that infrastructure investment is one of the strongest drivers of economic growth. Federal funding freezes and cuts threaten to stall major projects, eliminate thousands of construction jobs, and leave IL behind.

https://t.co/bnI5eXGLcQ

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

#InfrastructureWeek starts today! A 2020 study by ILEPI and the Project for Middle Class Renewal found that every $1 billion invested in infrastructure in Illinois boosts the economy by $1.7 billion to $3.5 billion and supports up to 25,000 jobs.

https://t.co/E98ELeh7Iw

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

Skyrocketing gas prices are hurting Illinois families, but suspending the gas tax won’t solve the problem. Our latest op-ed explains why long-term infrastructure investment is too important to sacrifice for only scant relief at the pump.

https://t.co/VUhvLKrhtK

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

RISING INFLATION: Illinois Economic Policy Institute Economist Frank Manzo IV explains what’s leading to a surge in costs across the board, across the country

[Illinois Economic Policy Institute @IllinoisEPI]

ILEPI’s 2025 study on Illinois’ housing shortage was cited by the Wall Street Journal in coverage of Governor Pritzker’s proposal to streamline local zoning regulations and expand multi-unit housing development.

Read the article: https://t.co/EVJpGIHuZ6