The Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR), based at the University of Illinois’ Labor Education Program, is dedicated to improving conditions for the working class. Our mission is to enhance public understanding of economic and worker issues through research, analysis, and education. We aim to develop policies that tackle poverty, ensure fair representation for all […]
Despite progress in workforce participation, a persistent gender gap in employment quality (EQ) continues to shape women’s economic and occupational experiences (Fana et al., 2023; Fuller & Kim, 2024; Kamerāde & Richardson, 2018; Pech et al, 2021; Stier & Yaish, 2014). This policy brief examines gender differences in perceived overall employment quality and other components […]
In this report, researchers at the University of Illinois’ Project for Middle Class Renewal examine differences in access to quality jobs in Illinois by gender, education, and ethnicity. Using our Employment Quality in Illinois 2.0 (EQ-IL 2.0) survey data of over 5,000 workers across Illinois, we created a measure of job quality that utilizes 30 […]
Executive Summary: The Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), passed in early 2021, is designed to respond to the immediate economic needs of the millions of Americans who have been impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report considers one aspect of the ARP: the expansion of the Child Tax Credit […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted economic and educational systems. The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has had substantial and potentially long-term implications for women, with their labor force participation rate falling to its lowest level in three decades. Additionally, following the advice of public health experts, Illinois restricted face-to-face activities and closed in-person schools […]
The tax code is a powerful tool used to address a myriad of policy goals. Unfortunately, instead of narrowing income and wealth gaps, various tax provisions continue to reinforce historical gender and racial biases in the tax code. Some advocates argue that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the refundable portion of the Child […]
Studies on paid parental leave (PPL) in Europe and, more recently, in the United States, suggest that PPL offer many benefits for children and families and even to employers. In this report we suggest that offering PPL to Illinoisans may also benefit the state of Illinois by situating it as the most family-friendly state in […]
Construction is the 3rd fastest growing industry in Minnesota. Over the next decade, construction employment is projected to expand by 9 percent in Minnesota, and 7-in-10 contractors already report difficulties in filling skilled craft positions. For many young Minnesota workers, enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program is a better option than attending college. Construction apprenticeship […]
PMCR, in collaboration with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC’s Great Lakes Center for Occupational Health and Safety are excited to share findings from their survey of Chicagoland workforce providers who are actively educating their participants about their rights on the job and pursuing collaborations with high road employers. Through connecting workers’ rights education to job […]
A new PMCR report by Dr. Han (Post-Doctoral Research Associate), “Wage Gaps and Representation: Gender and Race in The Illinois High Tech Industry” examines Illinois tech workers’ employment and wages across gender and race groups in three core tech occupations: executives, managers, and professionals as a first step to increasing the diversity of Illinois’ tech […]