PMCR and ILEPI Report | Living Wages in Registered Apprenticeship Programs | An Assessment by Industry, Demographics, State, and Labor Policy

“Despite dire predictions from many economic commentators, a national recession was avoided in 2022, 2023, and 2024. However, the risk of a recession remains elevated in 2025 and beyond. This report explores how Illinois fares on key items that are correlated with a state’s economic resiliency and ability to weather the consequences of a recessionary cycle. Policy changes, revenue improvements, and investments in education, infrastructure, and energy systems have all strengthened the economy and made Illinois more resistant to the next recession. While no state is “recession-proof” or insulated against national forces that trigger economic downturns, Illinois is far better positioned to withstand these forces than at any point in recent history.”

PMCR and ILEPI Report | Resisting the Next Recession | Measuring Illinois Economic Resiliency

“Despite dire predictions from many economic commentators, a national recession was avoided in 2022, 2023, and 2024. However, the risk of a recession remains elevated in 2025 and beyond. This report explores how Illinois fares on key items that are correlated with a state’s economic resiliency and ability to weather the consequences of a recessionary cycle. Policy changes, revenue improvements, and investments in education, infrastructure, and energy systems have all strengthened the economy and made Illinois more resistant to the next recession. While no state is “recession-proof” or insulated against national forces that trigger economic downturns, Illinois is far better positioned to withstand these forces than at any point in recent history.”

Professor Bruno quoted in Chicago Reader | Bosses Beware

Compass Levy workers strike outside the United Center in March 2023. About 290 hospitality workers have unionized with Unite Here Local 1 since March 2022. Credit: Courtesy Unite Here Local 1

The Chicago Reader says Chicago’s service and cultural workers are unionizing like never before. Professor Bruno weighs in. Read the article here. “They felt like their employers didn’t give a damn,” Bruno says. “For a while, maybe they got some hazard pay, maybe they were called heroes. But then the pandemic ends [and] the hazard … Read more

Prof. Bruno interviewed on CBS News

New autoworkers’ contract uplifts Belvidere, Illinois

No place in history has benefited more from a new contract than Belvidere, Illinois. CBS 2’s Brad Edwards went 90 miles northwest of Chicago to a place that went from the biggest labor “loser” to the biggest winner.