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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

The August edition of the New Hires Quality Index shows declines in both earning power and hiring volume. Although hiring may not be deteriorating much (yet), it is not picking up, either. Learn more: www.upjohn.org/news/new-hir... #Econsky

upjohn.org

New Hires Quality Index dips in August, hiring volume sharply falls

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

What if workforce training made business incentives more effective? Upjohn Research suggests it can. Pairing incentives with targeted training could boost local employment while helping employers find skilled workers. The goal isn’t just more jobs. It’s more opportunities. #econsky #policysky

upjohn.org

Pairing incentives with job training could deliver major gains

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

When research is used in public debate, accuracy matters. A new op-ed by @mmilleradams.bsky.social corrects claims made in a @dispatch.com op-ed, clarifying what the evidence shows, and highlighting the goals of the Columbus Promise. Read more: bit.ly/4z4aS3T

Early research suggests the Columbus Promise is working as intended: the Columbus Promise has dramatically increased enrollment while also leading to a modest rise in the number of students earning degrees and other credentials.

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

What can public policy do to promote hiring? Upjohn Institute Senior Economist Tim Bartik l joined a Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis event to explore how public policies can support employment and generate longer-term benefits for workers and communities. Learn more: bit.ly/4xDtaHU

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Can public policy boost hiring? Tim Bartik speaks at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Symposium

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Upjohn Senior Economist @aaronsojourner.org helped organize the “Documenting the Impact of U.S. DHS Activity in Minnesota” conference on 9/22. Attendees will share evidence about the impacts on education, health, and the economy as well as community response. Learn more: bit.ly/46sq7HF

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Documenting the Impact of US DHS in Minnesota

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Upjohn Senior Economist @bradhershbein.bsky.social appeared on WWMT, West Michigan's CBS affiliate, last night to discuss how yesterday’s increase in the Fed’s benchmark interest rate will impact your finances. What will higher interest rates mean for you? Watch here: bit.ly/4hvMYYW

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Federal Reserve lifts key rate for first time in three years, tightening borrowing costs

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time in three years.

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

As the Columbus Promise enrolls its fifth class, a new Upjohn evaluation shows it has dramatically increased college enrollment by local grads. Bridget Timmeney and @mmilleradams.bsky.social highlight nine lessons for Promise programs everywhere: bit.ly/4xyiIl9

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Nine takeaways for the tuition-free college movement from the Columbus Promise

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Do public subsidies for clean energy projects pay off for local communities? New research on 50 projects finds that every dollar in incentives yields nearly $1.50 in additional income for state residents—but incentive design matters. Read more: bit.ly/4gQy1iP

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When do public subsidies for clean energy projects pay off for local communities?

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Business incentives go a lot further when paired with workforce training. A new Upjohn Institute report finds targeted training could generate $5.24 in benefits for every $1 invested. Helping local workers land the jobs being created pays off. Read more: bit.ly/4h5hbN9

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Pairing incentives with job training could deliver major gains

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

After a three-year pilot, the data are in for the Columbus Promise, a place-based scholarship program that allows local public school graduates to attend Columbus State Community College tuition-free. Here are the results: (1/3) www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

More available jobs tend to raise wages, but do strong labor markets improve job quality, too? A new study by @bradhershbein.bsky.sociall Katherine Lim, @dougwebberecon.bsky.social and Mike Zabek finds they do—and not just because more workers change jobs. bit.ly/4gJcoSs

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Do clean energy subsidies pay off? In an analysis of 50 projects, Upjohn researchers estimate a median return of nearly $1.50 in additional income for state residents per dollar invested. But results vary widely—and payoffs fall as the cost per job rises. Read more: www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

This special Labor Day edition of the New Hires Quality Index looks at real wage growth over the years. Have wages kept up with inflation? Read more: www.upjohn.org/news/new-hires-quali… #econsky

upjohn.org

New Hires Quality Index declines in July; Labor Day edition examines trends in real wages

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

More available jobs tend to raise wages, but do strong labor markets improve job quality, too? A new study by @bradhershbein.bsky.social Katherine Lim, @dougwebberecon.bsky.social and Mike Zabek finds they do—and not just because more workers change jobs. bit.ly/4gJcoSs

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More than money: How strong job markets improve job quality

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Upjohn Institute President @mikehorrigan.bsky.social joins @jc-econ.bsky.social on NABE’s The Labor Brief podcast to discuss the latest employment data, labor force participation, immigration, inflation, and the economic outlook. Listen: bit.ly/4iq3TNo #LaborMarket #NABE, #econsky,

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The Labor Brief | August 2026

ECON-versations with NABE · Episode

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

What happens to the local economy when ICE comes to town? In a recent webinar, @aaronsojourner.org, @chloeneast.bsky.social, and @ericawilli.bsky.social discussed how the Twin Cities and DC weathered immigration enforcement surges. The findings are stark. Read more: bit.ly/4h5jTUH

upjohn.org

The immigration crackdown in Minneapolis: How Operation Metro Surge affected the local economy

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Mike Horrigan @mikehorrigan.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The number of individuals who are out of the labor force but reported currently wanting a job now and cited childcare, family responsibilities, or transportation issues as being barriers to looking for work or working rose to 1 million in the summer of 2020, staying around that level ever since.

This chart from the Current Population Survey shows a times series of the number of individuals who are currently out of the labor force, want a job now, but cite childcare, family responsibilities, or transportation issues as barriers to working or looking for work. The number of such individuals rose to 1 million in the pandemic summer of 2020 and has stayed at that level since, the latest number being 1.233 million in June 2026

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Reposted by Upjohn Institute

Aaron Sojourner @aaronsojourner.org · 25/07/2026

Sept 22 research conference at UMN HHH on the Impacts of DHS Operations in Minnesota Works in progress welcome. Quantitative or mixed-methods multidisciplinary. Due 8/13. #CallForProposals docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Documenting the Impact of DHS Activity in Minnesota: Presenter and Attendee Interest Form
Due date for presentation proposals: 11:59 pm CT, Thursday, August 13, 2026.

In December 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began a significant, sustained agent surge in Minnesota that affected the daily lives of many residents, but had severe impacts on immigrant communities and communities of color. Documenting the Impact of DHS Activity in Minnesota will be a one-day, in-person convening on Tuesday, September 22 at the University of Minnesota's Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs that will provide researchers from across disciplines with an opportunity to share and discuss completed research and works in progress related to the effects of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS.

We welcome proposals to present research and data analysis - including work in progress - on DHS activity in Minnesota and the impacts of that activity on Minnesota residents, businesses, and communities. These impacts include economic, service, educational, and other impacts, including violations of human rights (e.g., due process, access to education, housing, food, work, and healthcare, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, right to privacy). The impacts also include the emergence and expansion of supportive community responses, such as the growth of mutual aid networks and networks to warn residents of DHS incursions. Quantitative and mixed-methods research will be given priority, although qualitative proposals are also welcome.

We anticipate that there will be no registration fee to attend (pending conference sponsorship); however, presenters and other attendees will be responsible for any travel and lodging costs.

While not an official proceeding of The Governor’s Council to Record the Truth of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS on Minnesotans, the Truth Council's implementing organization, The Advocates for Human Rights, will…

Conference Planning Committee
John Budd, Professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
Elizabeth Davis, Professor, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
Ezra Golberstein, Professor, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota
Erik Larson, Professor, Department of Sociology, Macalaster College
José Pacas, Dir. of Data Leadership & Investment, Constellation Lab at the Constellation Fund
Stacey Pelika, Research Director, National Education Association (acting in a personal capacity)
Aaron Rosenthal, Research Director, North Star Policy Action
Aaron Sojourner, Senior Economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Joe Soss, Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
Christopher Uggen, Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Minnesota
Darcy Vandegrift, Research Manager, The Metropolitan Council

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Brad Hershbein @bradhershbein.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Interested in talent migration? Want to know how states differ in how much of their college-educated workforce is homegrown vs imported from (or exported to) other states? Check out our new report from @stradaeducation.bsky.social for insights from new data: www.strada.org/reports/tale...

strada.org

Talent in Motion: Interstate Migration of College-Educated Workers | Strada Education Foundation

Talent in Motion investigates interstate migration patterns of working-age adults with a bachelor’s or graduate degree and examines how these patterns differ by state, type of institution attended, le...

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

This month’s New Hires Quality Index looks at how different age groups are doing in the current job market. Are things as bad for young people as they say? bit.ly/4xgD4iX

upjohn.org

New Hires Quality Index continues to climb, but are young people falling behind?

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

We can't solve the child care shortage without measuring it accurately. New research reflects how families really search for care, measuring childcare within a short drive and accounting for competition for slots. This provides a more realistic picture of local supply. bit.ly/4aV0qlD

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Where is Southwest Michigan’s economy headed? The newest edition of Upjohn’s quarterly Regional Economic Outlook offers data-driven insights on the region’s economy and community development trends. bit.ly/4vVQZtL

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Second edition of Upjohn REO dives into Southwest Michigan’s economy

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

upjohn.org

The immigration crackdown in Minneapolis: How Operation Metro Surge affected the local economy

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Most American employers use some kind of non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Once limited to protecting trade secrets, they have grown broader over time – but at what cost to others? In a recent paper, @aaronsojourner.org, Jason Sockin, and @evanpstarr.bsky.social investigate. bit.ly/4f5f3UK

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How broad non-disclosure agreements leave job seekers in the dark

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The submission period for our 2026 Dissertation Awards is now closed. Thank you to all who applied. To learn more about this, and other awards we provide, head to our website: www.upjohn.org/grants-and-awards

upjohn.org

Grants and Awards

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

We can’t solve the child care shortage without measuring it accurately. New research reflects how families really search for care, measuring childcare within a short drive and accounting for competition for slots. This provides a more realistic picture of local supply. bit.ly/4aV0qlD

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To solve child care shortages, we first need to measure them

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Our annual award recognizing the best PhD dissertation on employment-related issues is still taking submissions! All academic disciplines are welcome, as long as it has a major employment and policy focus. The deadline is July 20th. Learn more: bit.ly/4vJxVQa #econsky, #fundsocsci

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Two years into Bearcat Advantage, how is the place-based scholarship program helping Battle Creek students? Upjohn researchers led by @mmilleradams.bsky.social find that it’s increasing college-going. Here’s how: bit.ly/44uEt9n #econsky, #promiseprogram, #tutitionfree

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

It's not just for children. New research by @gabriellepepin.bsky.social and Yulya Truskinovky published in the National Tax Journal shows how expanding the Child and Dependent Care Credit could help millions of families caring for older adults.

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Congratulations to Upjohn Institute President Mike Horrigan, who has been elected vice president of the National Association for Business Economics. www.upjohn.org/news/upjohn-institut… #Econsky

upjohn.org

Upjohn Institute President Michael Horrigan elected vice president of National Association of Business Economics

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

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Dissertation Award | Upjohn Institute

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Aaron Sojourner @aaronsojourner.org · 08/07/2026

Early care & education services are spatially differentiated. Using cell-phone mobility data, we measure worker & consumer commutes in a novel way, at the provider level. Great working with @gabriellepepin.bsky.social, @jborowsky.bsky.social & Liz Davis. research.upjohn.org/cgi/viewcont...

Close to Home? Five Key Facts about Child Care Customer
and Worker Commutes
Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 26-432
Gabrielle Pepin
W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Jonathan Borowsky
University of Minnesota
Elizabeth E. Davis
University of Minnesota
Aaron Sojourner
W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
June 2026
ABSTRACT
Parents often cite location and convenience as important factors in choosing a child care provider. We use data on individual mobility from GPS in cell phones to study commutes to each licensed early childhood care and education (ECE) provider in 14 states separately for center customers, center workers, and customers of home-based child care providers. We document five key facts about ECE customer and
worker commutes. One, center customers and workers commute farther than home-based customers to ECE providers. Two, substantial shares of customers and workers commute 10+ miles to their ECE
provider. Three, commute distances to ECE providers vary substantially across geographic regions. Four, commute distances, especially for center workers, increase with provider neighborhood socioeconomic
status. Five, commute distances vary by the racial and ethnic composition of the provider location, even after controlling for measures of socioeconomic status. Results suggest variation in ECE market size by provider type, geographic location, and workforce characteristics, which has implications for policies intended to increase supply within the sector. Higher-income customers may lift child care prices and wages across a broader region than where they shop, impacting access in less privileged regions. Interventions targeting child care wages may have geographical spillovers outside of child care markets defined by consumer behavior.
Key Words: child care, commutes, early childhood care and education workforce, market size
This work was supported by a grant from the Washington Center for Equitable Growth.

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

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Dissertation Award | Upjohn Institute

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Listen to @aaronsojourner.org speak about the economic impact of Operation Metro Surge in the newest episode of @epi.org's podcast.

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

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How broad non-disclosure agreements leave job seekers in the dark

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Read a new piece by @gabriellepepin.bsky.social on the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and how it can be used to make child and elder care affordable. #econsky

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

How can changing a single tax credit improve live for caregivers? @gabriellepepin.bsky.social explains in a new piece. #econsky

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

This month’s New Hires Quality Index explores hiring differences between public and private sector workers. Despite recent cuts to the federal workforce, new hires volume in the public sector has outpaced private sector volume even as earnings power has held up. Read more: bit.ly/4ggNXME

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New Hires Quality Index slowly climbs, public-sector jobs outpace private-sector

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

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Dissertation Award | Upjohn Institute

The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research is now accepting submissions for its annual award recognizing the best PhD dissertation on employment-related issues. The Institute has sponsored…

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

It’s not just for children. New research by @gabriellepepin.bsky.social and Yulya Truskinovky published in the National Tax Journal shows how expanding the Child and Dependent Care Credit could help millions of families caring for older adults.

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Making the Child and Dependent Care Credit work for adult caregivers

June 23, 2026

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Upjohn Institute Dissertation Research Grant winners: Alelí Andrés, UC San Diego Teresita Cruz Vital, UC Berkeley Kassandra Hernandez, UC Berkeley Darien Kearney, Howard University Bezankeng Njinju, UW Madison Şeyma Özdemir, UC Santa Barbara

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New Upjohn grants support dissertation research on policy-relevant employment issues

June 18, 2026

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

As states increasingly invest in early childhood care and education, how can they ensure their investments will pay off for working families? In a new @equitablegrowth.bsky.social FAQ, @chloergibbs.bsky.social lays out the evidence for state policymakers. buff.ly/uv8jsm6 #econsky, #ece

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As states invest in early childhood, here’s what policymakers need to know

June 9, 2026

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Building cars built Michigan, but where is the industry going? A new report by the Upjohn Institute’s Erik Vasilauskas and @mikehorrigan.bsky.social looks at how jobs related to making cars have changed this century and how they might continue to change over the next few years. buff.ly/6usvePh

upjohn.org

Michigan automotive jobs are changing: New report looks ahead to 2030

June 15, 2026

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Continued pressure on Michigan’s EV supply chain and higher education institutions contributed layoffs that impacted 540 employees in the first quarter of 2026. Explore the latest Michigan Layoff Tracker update and interactive map from the Upjohn Institute. www.upjohn.org/research-hig...

upjohn.org

Michigan layoff notices show continued pressure in EV supply chain, higher education

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Upjohn senior economist @aaronsojourner.org will be speaking at a webinar hosted by @epi.org. Be sure to check it out. #econsky

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Upjohn Institute @upjohninstitute.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

As states increasingly invest in early childhood care and education, how can they ensure their investments will pay off for working families? In a new @equitablegrowth.bsky.social FAQ , @chloergibbs.bsky.social lays out the evidence for state policymakers. buff.ly/uv8jsm6 #Econsky, #ECE

upjohn.org

As states invest in early childhood, here’s what policymakers need to know

June 9, 2026

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