In a previous post, we highlighted the data indicating a shortage in teacher labor markets and offered solutions to address it. But closing the current labor shortage would not necessarily imply that we have invested enough of society’s resources in public schools. A teacher shortage means that demand for teachers (proxied by vacant positions) is…

Working Economics Blog

18.10.2024

Time is running out for state and local governments to obligate American Rescue Plan funds | Economic Policy Institute

December 31 is the deadline for states, cities, and municipalities to obligate their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The $350 billion program—part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—has played an important role in rebuilding and sustaining public services over the last 3.5 years. However, the latest data show many recipient governments…

Working Economics Blog

22.10.2024

Seven reasons why today’s economy is historically strong | Economic Policy Institute

Economic performance looms large in every presidential election year. In 2024, people’s perception of their own economic situation is high, yet their estimation of the economy’s performance more generally has been noticeably negative. It is often taken as given in economic commentary that the economy was stronger pre-pandemic. This impression is deeply mistaken. The economy…

Working Economics Blog

26.10.2024

Behind the numbers of Hispanic employment: A strong labor market has delivered historic gains, but differences remain among demographic groups | Economic Policy Institute

The strong labor market over the last two years has produced historic employment gains for Hispanic workers. In 2022, Hispanic workers achieved one of their lowest unemployment rates on record. Later in 2023, the share of the Hispanic population ages 25–54 with a job reached the highest point in recorded history.   Behind these aggregate statistics,…

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Today’s teacher shortage is just the tip of the iceberg: Part II | Economic Policy Institute

Time is running out for state and local governments to obligate American Rescue Plan funds | Economic Policy Institute

Seven reasons why today’s economy is historically strong | Economic Policy Institute

Behind the numbers of Hispanic employment: A strong labor market has delivered historic gains, but differences remain among demographic groups | Economic Policy Institute

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