WHAT MAKES WORK MORE THAN JUST A LIVING? Determinants of Employment Quality in Illinois

Our researchers at the University of Illinois Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) have developed a comprehensive approach to identify the factors that determine Employment Quality in Illinois (EQ-IL 2.0). It develops ten dimensions, each with sub-components, including both subjective and objective measures. Following up on EQ-Il 1.0, we use a large survey collected in 2023 of 5,600 … Read more

EFFECTS OF THE EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT ON EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES | Evidence from the Midwest and Implications for Illinois

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) underwent a significant transformation under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP-CTC) from July to December 2021, becoming a near-universal child allowance. The expanded CTC represented a significant milestone in US social policy, included increasing the maximum annual benefit size, making the benefit fully refundable, and converting the annual payment to … Read more

DO WORK REQUIREMENTS MEAN THAT MORE LOW-INCOME ADULTS WORK? | Lessons from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program in Illinois

To receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18 and 49 must comply with a work requirement, unless they are exempt or live in areas with federal waivers. Starting from November 1, 2023, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has granted Illinois an extension on its … Read more