Topic: Economic Policy Institute

With Indiana 'right to work' vote, a GOP thumb in the eye to unions

The Indiana House approved a 'right to work' bill late Tuesday, taking the state a giant step closer to ruling out mandatory dues for workers at union workplaces. Indiana would be the first 'right to work' state in the upper Midwest.

The hidden issue in South Carolina primary: labor union clout

Mitt Romney in particular has used the South Carolina primary to test anti-labor union policies as a campaign issue. His pitch to expand right-to-work laws could lead to Wisconsin redux. 

Economy: Why the 'good' news isn't

Global financial news has been good ever since the Fed decided to print more money. But consumers still aren't spending, and the new employment figures are hardly signs of real recovery

Unemployment rate falls to 8.5%; GOP still using jobs as battering ram (+video)

The US economy netted 200,000 new jobs in December, and the unemployment rate fell. Even as Democratic politicians hail the jobs report, Republicans say any number above 8 percent is unacceptable by now.

Minimum wage milestone: Why Washington State surpassed $9 an hour

Minimum wage laws raised the wage floor in eight states as of Jan. 1. Washington now tops all states, at $9.04 an hour. Economic effects of raising the minimum wage are in hot dispute.

For some making minimum wage, the new year holds modest promise

For middle-class workers, the new year could mean the loss of the payroll tax cut. But for workers far down the pay scale, a Jan. 1 rise in the minimum wage in eight states offers some hope.

EPA unveils 'historic' air pollution rules. Can power industry cope?

The EPA says its new rules to drastically reduce toxic air pollution will improve national health at a minimal cost. But the power industry says the rules could hurt the economy.

Eight ingredients for a peaceful society

What makes for a peaceful society? Hot spots from Congo to the Middle East would benefit from such knowledge. But so would the United States, which, at home, isn’t always so harmonious and abroad, is still at war in Afghanistan.

Michael Shank, vice president of the Institute for Economics and Peace’s US office gives his take on eight ingredients America needs to build a peaceful society.

Is the EPA really a 'jobs killer'?

For Republicans, the EPA ranks up there with the IRS as one of the most-reviled agencies in Washington, calling it a 'jobs killer.' The record of the Obama EPA, though, is more nuanced.

Trade deals: three big winners from America's new free-trade agreements

Trade deals passed by Congress Wednesday could be double-edged, but several economic sectors look set to gain the most from the trade deals with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

Why China 'trade war' bill is tying House Republicans in knots

House Republicans are blocking a vote on a bill to punish China for currency manipulation. Leaders say it could unleash a trade war, but many rank and file want to take China to task.

Senate slap of China a sign that patience is wearing thin on trade

With jobs at a premium in the US, senators from states hard-hit by job losses to Chinese manufacturing passed a bill to sanction China for manipulating its currency.

Senate hits China for 'cheating' to steal US jobs

The Senate voted Monday to advance a bill that would punish China for manipulating its currency to drive exports. If it became law, the bill would risk a trade war over US jobs.

Medicare, public health programs get more use

Medicare and other public health-care become safety net for more Americans as private employer health dwindles. Medicare is primary beneficiary.

Obama payroll tax cuts: Economists differ on how many jobs they'd create

The proposed payroll tax cuts amount to about half of the Obama jobs plan. Some economists say the cuts could add a million jobs, others call the strategy a waste of money.

Help wanted. But only if you have a job.

Help wanted with a twist: Some firms won't even consider hiring someone who doesn't already have a job. But unemployed can better their job prospects.

Labor Day struggle for unions and Obama

Labor Day marks a rough year for President Obama and the labor union movement that had high hopes for him. Unemployment remains high, and unions are under fire from political conservatives.

'Zero job' economy: 11 ways Washington can fix it

A stagnant job market has ramped up the pressure on President Obama and Congress to come up with solutions. What can be done? Here are 11 proposals.

Great Recession? Meet the terrible recovery.

The Great Recession was hard enough. Now the weakest recovery in postwar history is proving difficult for workers, investors, and especially the unemployed.

Can George Soros, Michael Bloomberg save New York's troubled young men?

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced a $127.5 million plan Thursday to help young black and Hispanic men. The effort includes money from financier George Soros and his philanthropy.

Fewer cops, more potholes: How debt deal could hit states hardest

Federal spending cuts mean fewer dollars will flow to the states for unemployment benefits, education, health care, and other state-run programs. Many states will have to cut services or raise taxes.

Recovering US job market is leaving black men behind

The unemployment rate for black men stands at 17 percent, more than double that of white men. An education gap, criminal records, and racial bias all contribute to problems in the job market, experts say. What type of intervention would help?

How Capitol Hill sniping could set off a national debt ceiling bomb

Even as both parties cite the need for progress on the budget, the partisan sniping is becoming unusually personal. Could markets get the jitters if the rancor lasts up to the debt ceiling deadline?

Even Paul Ryan wants to broaden the tax base

Ryan has a two-pronged proposal for tax reform. The first part would reduce the deficit, but the second part isn't so helpful.

Economy cools as government spending drops. Wrong time for budget cuts?

The US economy posted an annual growth rate of only 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011, and declines in government spending were a significant contributor.