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U. of I. Flash Index: State’s economic growth slowed considerably at end of 2015
URBANA, Ill.—The U. of I. Flash Index fell to 105.5 in December from its 106.1 level in November. This is not only the lowest reading all year, but the lowest reading since March 2013. (See full archive.) The Illinois economy is still growing, as indicated by the index being at above 100, the dividing line […]
Book Corner: A look at how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program affects health and well-being
A new book looks at aspects of how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program affects health and well-being. “SNAP Matters” includes a chapter on obesity by University of Illinois economist Craig Gundersen, one of the book’s editors. The central goal of SNAP is to reduce food insecurity in the United States. Although SNAP – formerly known […]
How long could Illinois’ budget impasse last?
Christopher Z. Mooney is the director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois and the W. Russell Arrington Professor of State Politics on the Springfield campus. Mooney studies comparative U.S. state politics, with a special focus on state legislatures. He spoke with News Bureau business and law editor Phil […]
Flash Index reverses 3-month trend, climbs in November
The U. of I. Flash Index reversed a three-month trend in November and climbed to 106.1. The index measures economic activity in Illinois and shows that the state continues to slowly recover from the Great Recession, which technically ended more than six years ago. (See full archive.) The increase to 106.1 reverses three straight months […]
Scarcity, not abundance, enhances consumer creativity, study says
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Even in an age of affluence and abundance in which round-the-clock consumerism and overspending are the norm, limits and constraints can still serve a purpose. According to new research co-written by a University of Illinois expert in new product development and marketing, resource scarcity actually translates into enhanced consumer product-use creativity. A […]
Paper: Prior union experience correlates with voting for pro-labor issues
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A legislator’s experience with unionization earlier in life is positively related to voting in favor of pro-worker legislation once he or she holds elected office, says a new paper from a University of Illinois labor expert who studies unions and politics. Ryan Lamare, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois, […]
New book explores global reach of British royal family brand
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — God save the queen? According to a new book co-written by a University of Illinois expert in consumer culture, she’s doing just fine, thank you very much. Cele Otnes, Investors in Business Education Professor in the College of Business, is the co-author of the recently published book “Royal Fever: The British Monarchy […]
Paper: Civic participation can bridge social-class segregation
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Good news for the Leslie Knopes, Lisa Simpsons and other civic-minded strivers of the world: New research from a University of Illinois expert in social network analysis indicates that people who participate in voluntary civic organizations such as school PTAs, religious or leisure groups strengthen their ties to high-status people and accrue […]
Paper: Education, infrastructure key public investments for job growth
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Investments in education and infrastructure, along with a balanced budget, are chief among the public policies that boost a state’s employment, according to a new paper co-written by a University of Illinois labor expert. A higher employment rate generally improves well-being, reduces poverty and increases tax revenues, and policies that support employment […]
Why food insecurity still hasn’t decreased in the U.S.
Craig Gundersen, the Soybean Industry Endowed Professor of Agricultural Strategy at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, is an agricultural economist who studies the causes and consequences of food insecurity and the impact of food assistance programs on public health. He spoke with News Bureau business and law editor Phil […]
Flash Index relatively steady despite volatility in stocks, state budget battle
URBANA, Ill.— The U of I Flash Index remained steady in August despite volatility in the national and international stock markets. The index fell slightly to 106.5 in August from its 106.6 level in July. The index has remained in a narrow range for more than two years, reflecting steady but unspectacular growth. (See full archive.) The […]
When are you likely to feel the effects of the budgetary stalemate in Springfield?
Christopher Z. Mooney is the director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois and the W. Russell Arrington Professor of State Politics on the Springfield campus. Mooney studies comparative U.S. state politics, with a special focus on state legislatures. He spoke with News Bureau business and law editor Phil […]