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Illinois Economic Policy Institute

@ilepi.bsky.social
138 followers 55 following 130 posts

We promote thoughtful economic growth for businesses and working families. www.illinoisepi.org

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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 10h
How much energy does a typical data center use? How big are they? How many jobs do they create? We broke down the impact of a typical $1 billion data center in Illinois. Much more analysis in our full report: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/10/01/d...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
We looked at 75 completed and ongoing projects, and integrated industry-standard economic modeling to forecast potential impacts of $57 billion in planned data center projects across our state over the next decade. Here’s what we found: www.dailyherald.com/20261005/bus...
dailyherald.com
https://www.dailyherald.com/20261005/business/what-does-the-data-say-about-data-centers/
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
“Data centers have become a major component of Illinois’ economy, driving (economic) growth, boosting employment in high-wage sectors, and contributing substantially to the property tax base,” said Frank Manzo IV, an Illinois Economic Policy Institute economist and a co-author of the study. 1/2
chicagotribune.com
Data centers could generate $57B over next decade in Illinois if public backlash addressed, study says
Public policy changes like capping residential electricity rate increases at 5% per year could help Illinois navigate a challenging climate, study says.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
NEW REPORT: Data Center Buildout Could Create 120K Jobs in Illinois by 2035 More from Capito News Illinois: capitolnewsillinois.com/news/report-...
capitolnewsillinois.com
Report: New data centers could create more than 120K Illinois jobs, though mostly temporary
Illinois data centers could create 121,000 jobs but raise electric bills as lawmakers weigh new industry regulations.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Iowa’s economy is deeply tied to manufacturing. When tariffs raised the cost of machinery, metals, equipment, parts and other inputs, manufacturers faced higher production costs. More from Frank Manzo IV: www.thegazette.com/opinion/iowa...
thegazette.com
Column: Iowa’s farmers, families have been hurt by trade war
States like Iowa voted for President Donald Trump in search of lower prices, more jobs, stronger factories, and better conditions for farmers. Instead, new tariffs have raised prices, eliminated jobs,
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In Ohio, local union leaders say they believe more people are starting to realize they need to fight for better pay and benefits. According to our most recent study, the U.S. added 411,000 union members last year. That's the largest annual growth since 2008. www.wfmj.com/news/cover-s...
wfmj.com
Cover Story: Union membership in U.S. up, locals down
The Mahoning Valley was once one of the strongest union towns in the nation.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Chicago's minimum wage raises the earnings floor for thousands of workers. But how has it kept up with inflation since it was set at $15/hr in 2021? More from the ILEPI Blog: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/09/15/h...
illinoisepi.org
How Would Raising and Reforming the Minimum Wage Impact Affordability for Working Class Chicagoans? - Illinois Economic Policy Institute
Affordability is an acute concern for people both here in Chicago and across the country. Trade wars and  Middle East wars have pushed prices up, with workers continuing to feel the squeeze of…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
FACT: Wages are higher in states that protect workers' rights. Read our full 2026 State of the Unions Report: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/09/07/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Unions raise worker wages by 11% on average, while 71% of Americans support labor unions. More from our State of the Unions 2026 Report: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/09/07/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The uptick in union membership coincides with high public approval ratings of unions. According to a recently released Gallup poll, 71% of Americans approve of labor unions and 47% want unions to have more influence. More from the Guardian: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
US labor unions saw membership gains in 2025, mostly in states with bargaining protections
Uptick in US union membership coincides with high public approval ratings of unions
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
NEW ILEPI REPORT: U.S. union membership surges as support for Labor reaches historic highs. Our findings reveal last year saw the largest growth in U.S. union membership in two decades. MORE: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/09/07/t...
illinoisepi.org
The State of the Unions 2026: A Profile of Unionization in Chicago, in Illinois, and in the United States - Illinois Economic Policy Institute
STUDY: Last Year Saw Largest Growth in U.S. Union Membership in Two Decades States that Protect Collective Bargaining Rights Driving Surge La Grange, IL: The 12th annual State of the Unions study…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Happy Labor Day! We hope everyone has a great day, while also remembering the historical contributions and achievements of American workers.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
When you compare Illinois workers to peers in the neighboring “right-to-work” Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, cost-of-living-adjusted earnings are an average of 9% higher for Illinois workers. More from ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV: www.dailyherald.com/20260905/bus...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
“More Americans are turning to unions as a bulwark against the rising cost of living, and more public sector workers turned towards unions last year in the wake of some federal actions and federal headwinds,” said State of the Unions coauthor Frank Manzo IV. MORE: stateline.org/2026/09/04/l...
stateline.org
Labor unions are growing, but where depends on state politics • Stateline
Labor union membership continues to climb in the United States, though the increase remains sharply divided by the politics of individual states. Last year, the nation added more than 411,000 union…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Other studies confirm what we reported back in July: Trump administration tariffs are raising costs for working families across the Midwest. www.axios.com/local/twin-c...
axios.com
Trump tariffs have cost Minnesota an estimated $4.8 billion
That comes to about $2,000 per household, according to a new economic analysis.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
In Minnesota, costs increased by nearly $1,000 per household, accoring to our latest study. minnesotareformer.com/2026/08/25/d...
minnesotareformer.com
Demuth plans to cut $1 billion from Minnesota’s budget, refrains from denouncing tariffs • Minnesota Reformer
Republican nominee for governor Lisa Demuth said that if elected in November, she would direct her administration to “find $1 billion in savings across all agencies,” in an effort to make life more…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
ILEPI’s Mary Tyler coauthored a study that found the Illinois Tollway’s Moving Illinois program invested $15 billion, while generating $28 billion boost to the state’s economy, providing 150,000 jobs in the process.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Even with the increase, the Illinois Tollway still ranks among the cheapest per-mile of any tollway in the US, while still maintaining roads better than IDOT, costing drivers less: Illinois Tollway 77% excellent condition 100% acceptable vs. IDOT 25% excellent 76% acceptable
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
“When more people have jobs, they’re just naturally spending more money in the economy. We can see a huge economic benefit, not only just on the actual money invested, but in actually stimulating the economy as well” ILEPI Transportation Dir. MaryTyler told WTTW. 1/2 news.wttw.com/2026/08/19/i...
news.wttw.com
Illinois Tollway Board OKs 45-Cent Toll Increase as Part of $26.5 Billion Capital Projects Plan
The Illinois Tollway Board on Wednesday approved a massive 15-year, $26.5 billion capital spending plan that will raise vehicle tolls beginning next year.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
📻️ LISTEN: Our Economist Frank Manzo IV talks with Iowa Public Radio about the impact of Trump tariffs on the Hawkeye State and across the Midwest. www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fNX...
youtube.com
Tariffs increase Iowa's average household cost by $600
Tariffs are squeezing Midwest households. On this episode, we talk about what that means for your grocery bill and Iowa's economy. First, we hear from Frank Manzo of the Midwest Economic Policy…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Check out our latest newsletter: www.illinoisepi.org/wp-content/u...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
New tariffs on imported goods cost U.S. households a combined $175 billion last year. www.journalgazette.net/local/lawmak...
journalgazette.net
Lawmakers could offset tariffs' effects on consumers
A new study on tariff's impacts includes some suggestions for how state and federal lawmakers could mitigate the effects.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Check out our latest op-ed: "The Midwest is particularly exposed to trade wars, with economies that are consumer-driven and responsible for one-fifth of American manufacturing and agricultural output." www.dailyherald.com/20260808/bus...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
How hard has Wisconsin been hit by Trump Administration tariffs? Average household costs are up $1,500 while 6,000 manufacturing jobs and $2 billion in economic activity were lost, according to our research.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Trump's tariffs are hitting Illinois families and workers hard. A new MEPI and University of Illinois report finds the average Illinois household is paying $2,200 more, while the state has lost 7,500 manufacturing jobs and $5 billion in GDP. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzke...
capitolnewsillinois.com
Pritzker pens letter to Trump, seeking tariff refunds for Illinois families
JB Pritzker urges Donald Trump to refund Illinois families for higher costs caused by federal tariffs.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration cost Midwest families an extra $2,000 on average in 2025, our Frank Manzo IV tells News/Talk 1130 WISN Radio in Milwaukee.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The solution to the housing affordability crisis cannot be found by blaming immigrants. Instead, states can make owning a home or renting more affordable by implementing a number of reforms to expand housing supply. Our latest blog by Researcher Jacob Hager: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/08/04/u...
illinoisepi.org
Undocumented Migration Is Not the Cause of the Housing Affordability Crisis - Illinois Economic Policy Institute
Home prices nationally have grown by 46% since March 2020 due to strong employment growth, a lack of homes for sale on the market, a growth in large institutional investors buying up properties with…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our recent studies found that Rebuild Illinois generated a $1.79 return for every dollar invested, while the Illinois Tollway's Move Illinois capital program returned just over $2 per dollar invested. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/reports...
capitolnewsillinois.com
Reports: IDOT, Tollway capital programs boost economic development
New reports say Illinois' Rebuild Illinois and Move Illinois programs have generated billions in economic benefits.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
WATCH: ILEPI study co-author Professor Robert Bruno joined WTTW Chicago Tonight to discuss how the Trump Administration's latest tariffs will continue to drive up costs for working families in Illinois and the Midwest. news.wttw.com/2026/07/28/t...
news.wttw.com
Trump’s 50% Tariffs on Canada Risk Igniting a Fresh Trade War
The 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods, including electrical equipment and machinery, are among the steepest tariffs his administration has levied against any country.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
A new study adds to growing evidence that investing in skilled, highly trained construction workers helps keep public infrastructure projects on schedule while delivering better value for taxpayers. capitolweekly.net/21970-2/
capitolweekly.net
We can build faster by choosing contractors who invest in workers - Capitol Weekly
OPINION — California has no shortage of infrastructure needs. From schools and roads to water systems and clean energy projects, maintaining the infrastructure that supports the world’s…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
“The data confirms that the trade war launched in 2025 has been a substantial headwind for the economy, with Midwest households faring far worse than the nation as a whole,” said report co-author Frank Manzo IV. www.chicagotribune.com/2026/07/24/l...
chicagotribune.com
Vernon Hills toy manufacturer sues Trump administration again over new round of tariffs
Learning Resources, the Vernon Hills toymaker that successfully brought down the Trump administration’s 2025 tariffs in a seminal Supreme Court decision, is once again suing the federal government…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Families across the Midwest are feeling the impact of Trump tariffs in a number of ways. In Indiana, the average costs for a household increased by $2,600.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Because the Illinois Tollway funds its projects through user-paid tolls rather than tax revenue, it can deliver complex, large-scale infrastructure projects on time and on budget that would not be possible through traditional funding sources. Read more: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/20/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
See a state-by-state comparison of the Trump Administration's 2025 tariffs across the Midwest. Higher prices, fewer manufacturing jobs, and billions in lost economic activity. Read our new study: www.midwestepi.org/2026/07/22/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
In Michigan, costs from tariffs were as much as $3,200 for your avg household. “The Midwest is particularly exposed to tariffs because the region remains the epicenter of U.S. manufacturing,” said MEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV. More from Michigan Public NPR: www.michiganpublic.org/economy/2026...
michiganpublic.org
Report: Midwest households paid high price for 2025 tariffs
Trump administration tariffs raised costs for Midwest households by an average of $2,000 in 2025, according to the report from the Midwest Economic Policy Institute.
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Trump's 2025 tariffs hit Wisconsin hard: +$1,500 in average household costs and 6,100 manufacturing jobs lost. The findings from our Midwest Economic Policy Institute report come as the Administration rolls out another wave of tariffs on dozens of countries. www.wpr.org/news/wiscons...
wpr.org
Wisconsin economic development leaders worried about new Trump tariffs on Canada
This week, the administration announced new 50 percent tariffs on certain products from Canada, ranging from wine and dairy products to hockey sticks and cement. They are set to take effect on Aug.…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
The Illinois Tollway's Move Illinois Capital Program created 150,000 jobs and boosted the state's economy by over $28 billion. READ MORE: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/20/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A new Midwest Economic Policy Institute report finds tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration in 2025 raised costs for the average Midwest household. READ MORE: www.midwestepi.org/2026/07/22/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The Illinois Tollway's Move Illinois Capital Program invested an average of $1 billion per year. Read more about the findings from our latest report: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/20/t...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration in 2025 raised costs for the average Midwest household by more than $2,000, shrunk the economy by $18B, reduced manufacturing employment by more than 41,000, and disproportionately hit low-income households. www.einpresswire.com/article/9284...
einpresswire.com
Study: Trump Administration Tariffs Raised Costs on Midwest Households by an Average of $2,000 in 2025
Data shows import taxes hit Midwest harder than nation, raising costs, shrinking the economy, reducing manufacturing employment, and disproportionately
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The Rebuild Illinois Capital Program is delivering results. 🚧 More than 240,000 jobs created or saved. 💰 Nearly $1.79 in economic activity for every $1 invested. 🛣️ More than $30 billion invested to modernize Illinois' roads, bridges, and transportation system. www.sj-r.com/story/news/l...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
NEW ILEPI REPORT: Infrastructure investment delivers results. Since 2012, Illinois Tollway investments have supported nearly 150,000 jobs, generated a $28 billion economic boost to the state's economy, and delivered a 200% return on investment. www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/20/t...
illinoisepi.org
The Illinois Tollway’s Move Illinois Capital Program: Economic Benefits, Infrastructure Improvements, and Lessons for Sustainable Transportation Investment - Illinois Economic Policy Institute
STUDY: ILLINOIS TOLLWAY DELIVERS 200% RETURN TO THE STATE ECONOMY AT NO COST TO STATE’S GENERAL FUND Since 2012, Illinois Tollway projects delivered $28 billion economic boost and supported 150,000…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
“Rebuild Illinois was a down payment on decades of deferred maintenance and under-investment in our transportation infrastructure, much of which was approaching the end of its design life,” said ILEPI Transportation Analyst and study co-author Mary Tyler. More: sangamonsun.com/rebuild-illi...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
The Rebuild Illinois Capital Program invested billions of dollars to improve the state's transportation system, creating jobs and driving economic growth. MORE: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/15/r...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
WATCH NOW: What did the historic 6-year Rebuild Illinois Capital Program deliver? ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV breaks down our new study on FOX 32 Chicago. www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYsA...
youtube.com
200% economic return? New report looks at Rebuild Illinois plan 6 years later | The Chicago Report
A new analysis of the six-year, $30 billion "Rebuild Illinois" capital program reveals the historic infrastructure initiative delivered a  200% return on investment to the state's economy. Frank…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
“Limiting this pool of potential buyers will free up some properties and reduce prices somewhat at the margin, but other items that boost supply of housing will ultimately play bigger roles in improving affordability over the next few years.” - ILEPI's Frank Manzo IV. www.wbez.org/housing/2026...
wbez.org
What the ROAD to Housing Act means for Chicago
The bill, touted by experts and leaders as the most significant housing legislation passed in decades, includes more than 40 measures that are meant to boost the country's housing supply through…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
What does the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act means for Chicago? The Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ checked in with ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV. Link: chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/...
chicago.suntimes.com
What the ROAD to Housing Act means for Chicago
The bill, touted by experts and leaders as the most significant housing legislation passed in decades, includes more than 40 measures that are meant to boost the country's housing supply through…
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Rebuild Illinois was a landmark transportation funding program that generated more than $33 billion for transportation investments over six years. READ MORE: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/15/r...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Over the years, ILEPI has analyzed countless state rankings reports. It’s fair to say that some are more methodically sound than others. ILEPI economist Frank Manzo IV says this one misses the mark. Read more: www.bnd.com/news/busines...
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Illinois Economic Policy Institute @ilepi.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
NEW ILEPI REPORT: Our analysis finds Rebuild Illinois generated nearly a 200% return on investment, supported 40,000 jobs annually, and increased state and local tax revenues by nearly $400 million. Read more: www.illinoisepi.org/2026/07/15/r...
illinoisepi.org
Rebuild Illinois Six Years Later: Evaluating Transportation Investments and Economic Impact Statewide - Illinois Economic Policy Institute
REPORT: “REBUILD ILLINOIS” INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM DELIVERED A NEARLY 200% RETURN ON INVESTMENT TO THE ILLINOIS ECONOMY Historic Infrastructure Program created or saved 40,000 jobs in each of the past…
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