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The Employment Policies Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying public policy issues surrounding entry-level employment.

For additional information or to schedule an interview contact us at (202) 463-7650.
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1/30/12, New Study: Past New York Wage Hike Caused Substantial Job Loss
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) announced a new study forthcoming in the April issue of Industrial and Labor Relations Review, which finds that the last state-legislated New York minimum wage increase had a substantial negative impact on the employment of 16-to-29 year-olds without a high school diploma. Specifically, employment for this group fell by 20.2 to 21.8 percent due to an increase in the state minimum wage.


1/11/12, Speaker Oliver Misuses Minimum Wage Study
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) denounced New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver’s (D-Essex) careless misuse of research in support of her proposal to raise the state minimum wage.


1/4/12, New Bill To Raise California’s Minimum Wage Would Result in Over 6,000 Fewer Full-Time Tipped Jobs
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) urged legislators to consider the unintended consequences of a proposal to increase California’s minimum wage and index it to inflation.


12/1/11, Flawed “Dining Guide” Recommendations from ROC-United Would Hurt Restaurant Employees
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) responded to Restaurant Opportunities Centers United’s (ROC) new dining guide. Though ROC claims to help restaurant employees, new research from economists at Miami and Trinity Universities demonstrates that their policy proposal on tipped income will actually hurt those they intend to help.


11/29/11, San Francisco First in the Country with Minimum Wage above $10/Hour
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) announced that San Francisco, California will become the first in the country to raise the minimum wage above $10 an hour. The new wage rate in the city as of January 1, 2012 will be $10.24 an hour, a 32 cent increase from 2011. Eight states will also increase their minimum wage in 2012 due to indexing.


11/14/11, New Study: Raising Cash Wage Would Kill Opportunities for Waiters and Waitresses in California
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that examines the consequences for waiters, waitresses, and other tipped employees of reducing the “tip credit.”


11/14/11, New Study: Reducing Tip Credit Kills Opportunities for Waiters and Waitresses
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that examines the consequences for waiters, waitresses, and other tipped employees of reducing the “tip credit.”


10/3/11, New Wage Rates Will Cause Additional Lost Jobs
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) responded to recent announcements of minimum wage increases in four states (Montana, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington). These increases come with a myriad of real unintended consequences that are particularly harmful to less-educated and minority groups.


9/12/11, Paid Sick Leave Legislation Ignores Unintended Consequences
Today, the Seattle City Council passed legislation (Bill No. 117216) requiring businesses to provide paid sick leave to their employees. This follows Connecticut’s similar legislation, the first state-wide sick leave mandate, which passed earlier this year. A sick leave initiative will appear on the ballot in Denver, Colorado, this November.


8/30/11, Another Summer of High Teen Unemployment
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released an analysis of new Census Bureau data showing teen unemployment remains above 20 percent in 35 states through July 2011.


7/20/11, New Study Warns of Affordable Care Act’s Billion-Dollar Misunderstanding
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), by Richard V. Burkhauser (Cornell University), Sean Lyons (Cornell University) and Kosali Simon (Indiana University). The authors find that, as a consequence of poorly-understood factors in the new law, millions of employees may willingly switch from an employer plan to a government subsidized insurance exchange--even if their employer continues to offer coverage.


7/12/11, New Poll: Over Half of Americans Know Someone That's Used Paid Sick Leave to Take a Paid Vacation
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new survey commissioned from Opinion Research Corporation that finds a majority of the public knows someone that has used paid sick time for reasons other than an illness—such as extending their summer vacation.


7/8/11, Teen Unemployment Continues to Rise
An analysis of recently-released Census Bureau data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows teen unemployment continues to rise. As of May 2011, teen unemployment in seven states and the District of Columbia was still averaging over 30 percent.


7/5/11, Employment Policy Group Urges Seattle City Council to Consider Unintended Consequences of Mandated Leave
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) urged the Seattle City Council to consider the unintended consequences of mandating paid leave.


6/13/11, Analysis of New Data Shows Teen Employment Picture Even Worse When Including Discouraged Job Seekers
An analysis of newly-released Census Bureau data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows teen unemployment averaging above 25 percent in 25 states as of April 2011.


6/8/11, Employment Policy Group Urges Philadelphia City Council to Consider Unintended Consequences of Mandated Leave
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) urged the Philadelphia City Council to consider the unintended consequences of mandating paid leave.


5/5/11, New Study Warns of Employment Crisis for Minority Young Adults
Today, with employment levels for young adults at historically low levels, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that quantifies the unequal harm to minority young adults from minimum wage mandates.


4/27/11, Employment Policy Group: Activists Use Economically Flawed Research on Minimum Wage
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis exposing the flaws in minimum wage research from activist economists at the University of California – Berkeley’s Institute for Research on Labor and Employment.


4/12/11, Employment Policy Group Urges California Legislators to Consider Unintended Consequences of Mandated Leave
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) urged California legislators to consider the unintended consequences of mandating paid leave.


4/4/11, New Analysis: 25 States Still Have Teen Unemployment Rates Above 25 Percent
An analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that 25 states had teen unemployment rates above 25 percent, according to the most recent data available. Nationally, the teen unemployment rate rose slightly to 24.5 percent in March 2011; the rate for black teens rose to 42.1 percent.


3/29/11, Employment Policy Group Urges California Legislators to Consider Unintended Consequences of Wage Hike
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) denounced California’s proposal to increase the state’s minimum wage and criticized proponents’ use of creative economics to defend the bill.


3/22/11, Weak Summer Job Market Predicted As Twelve States Consider Wage Hikes
As experts predict a weak summer job market for teens, twelve states are considering ill-conceived policies that have serious unintended consequences for teens searching for work this summer.


3/10/11, Employment Policy Group Urges Philadelphia City Council to Consider Unintended Consequences of Mandated Leave
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) urged the Philadelphia City Council to consider the unintended consequences of mandating paid leave.


3/8/11, Twelve States Considering Legislation to Raise Or Index Their Minimum Wage
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study by nationally-known economist Dr. Bradley R. Schiller, which largely refutes conventional wisdom about adults earning the minimum wage. This research is particularly relevant now, as twelve states across the country consider further increasing their state minimum wage or indexing it to inflation.


3/1/11, Employment Policy Group Urges Connecticut Legislators to Consider Unintended Consequences of Mandated Leave
Today, Michael Saltsman, research fellow for the Employment Policies Institute (EPI), gave testimony and urged legislators in Connecticut to consider the unintended consequences of mandating paid leave.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Nevada Averaged 32.8 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 32.8 percent in Nevada in 2010. That’s the fifth highest in the country, and up from 31.5 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Alabama Averaged 30.8 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 30.8 percent in Alabama in 2010. That’s the ninth highest in the country, and up from 27.9 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Arizona Averaged 31.5 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 31.5 percent in Arizona in 2010. That’s the seventh highest in the country, and up from 31.1 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in California Averaged 34.4 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 34.4 percent in California in 2010. That’s the second highest in the country, and up from 32.8 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Georgia Averaged 36.3 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 36.3 percent in Georgia in 2010. That’s the highest in the country, and up from 29 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Illinois Averaged 27.6 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 27.6 percent in Illinois in 2010. That’s the fifteenth highest in the country, and up from 25.8 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Indiana Averaged 27.7 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 27.7 percent in Indiana in 2010. That’s the fourteenth highest in the country, and up from 21.3 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Mississippi Averaged 33.2 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 33.2 percent in Mississippi in 2010. That’s the fourth highest in the country, and up from 30.2 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in South Carolina Averaged 32.1 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 32.1 percent in South Carolina in 2010. That’s the sixth highest in the country, and up from 30.3 percent in 2009.


1/25/11, New Analysis: Teen Unemployment in Washington Averaged 34.1 Percent in 2010
A preliminary analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) shows that teen unemployment averaged 34.1 percent in Washington in 2010. That’s the third highest in the country, and up from 30.5 percent in 2009.


1/20/11, “Raise Maryland” Campaign Uses Discredited Research to Support Wage Mandate Claims
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis showing that labor-backed Progressive Maryland is using misleading and discredited research in their attempts to raise Maryland’s minimum wage to $10 an hour.


12/14/10, New Analysis Shows Living Wage Advocates Grossly Exaggerate Support
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released an analysis of the labor-backed Economic Policy Institute’s oft-cited list of 665 economists who support a higher minimum wage. The EPI analysis finds that the list – most recently used in a report by the Fiscal Policy Institute and National Employment Law Project defending a living wage proposal in New York City – features many signers that aren’t labor economists and others that aren’t economists at all.


12/7/10, New Study: Minimum Wage Increases Do Not Boost the Economy
a new study by economist Dr. Joseph J. Sabia of the United States Military Academy at West Point which finds that—contrary to some advocates’ claims—minimum wage increases do little to stimulate the overall economy. The research also shows that wage hikes can have a negative effect on state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) generated by certain lower-skilled industries.


10/27/10, Employment Policies Institute: Preemptive Attacks on Economists and Academic Works are Desperate and Without Merit
The NYC Living Wage Coalition report attacking EPI and respected economists Hamermesh and Neumark are desperate and without merit. EPI released this statement.


10/12/10, Teen Employment Dropped 12.4 Percent as a Direct Result of Federal Minimum Wage Hikes
With an ongoing national debate about the merit of the minimum wage, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) points to recent research estimating the teen employment loss caused by the federal minimum wage increase between July 2007 and July 2009.


9/21/10, New Analysis: 37.8 Percent of Teens in Alabama Looking for Work for Six Months or More
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis of Census Bureau data that shows teens in Alabama are having an especially hard time finding work. As of August 2010, 37.8 percent of Alabama teens had been searching for a job for six months or more, on average. Nationally, the average was 23.5 percent.


9/21/10, New Analysis: 32 Percent of Teens in Georgia Looking for Work for Six Months or More
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis of Census Bureau data that shows teens in Georgia are having an especially hard time finding work. As of August 2010, 32 percent of Georgia teens had been searching for a job for six months or more, on average. Nationally, the average was 23.5 percent.


9/21/10, New Analysis: 25.3 Percent of Teens in Indiana Looking for Work for Six Months or More
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis of Census Bureau data that shows teens in Indiana are having an especially hard time finding work. As of August 2010, 25.3 percent of Indiana teens had been searching for a job for six months or more, on average. Nationally, the average was 23.5 percent.


9/16/10, Census Bureau Numbers Are Not a Complete Picture of the Uninsured Population
Today, the U.S. Census Bureau released a new report quantifying that 16.7 percent of Americans are uninsured, or roughly 50.6 million people. There was a 1.3 percentage point increase in the uninsured from 2008 to 2009.


8/31/10, Employment for Minimum Wage Workers Falls by Over 10 Percent after Hike
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study by economists Nicole Coomer of the Workers Compensation Research Institute and Walter Wessels of North Carolina State University that shows how increases in the minimum wage have a disproportionately harmful impact on those who work in minimum wage jobs.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 29.1 Percent in Florida
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Florida was 29.1 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 35.1 Percent in Arizona
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Arizona was 35.1 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 32.8 Percent in Oregon
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Oregon was 32.8 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 34.1 Percent in Washington
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Washington was 34.1 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 35.2 Percent in Nevada
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Nevada was 35.2 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 27.9 Percent in Illinois
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Illinois was 27.9 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 34.3 Percent in California
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in California was 34.3 percent as of June 2010. Economists point to the consequences of the recession and recent increases in state and federal minimum wages.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 26.3 Percent in West Virginia
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in West Virginia was 26.3 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 29.8 Percent in South Carolina
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in South Carolina was 29.8 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 27.8 Percent in Tennessee
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Tennessee was 27.8 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 29.8 Percent in South Carolina
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in South Carolina was 29.8 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 36.5 Percent in Mississippi
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Mississippi was 36.5 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 28.5 Percent in Georgia
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Georgia was 28.5 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


8/5/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 31.2 Percent in Alabama
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds in Alabama was 31.2 percent as of June 2010. New research points to the consequences of recent increases in the federal minimum wage.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 12.4 Percent as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 7.3 Percent in West Virginia as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 7.2 Percent in Virginia as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 6.9 Percent in Texas as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss in Texas directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 8.2 Percent in Tennessee as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 8.9 Percent in South Carolina as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 5.7 Percent in Oklahoma as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 10.7 Percent in Mississippi as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 7.4 Percent in Louisiana as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 5.6 Percent in Kentucky as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 7.9 Percent in Indiana as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 9.2 Percent in Georgia as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


7/21/10, New Study Shows Teen Employment Dropped 7.2 Percent in Alabama as a Direct Result of Minimum Wage Hikes
A new study by economists William E. Even of Miami University and David A. Macpherson of Trinity University that provides the first comprehensive estimate of teen employment loss directly caused by the recent increases in the federal minimum wage. This study carefully separates out the effects of the recession and differences in state economic conditions.


6/29/10, New Study Suggests Less Literate Adults Could Be Harmed By Wage Mandates
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study exploring the important role literacy plays in labor market success for the 30 million Americans whose literacy level is considered “below basic.” The author, Dr. William C. Wood of James Madison University, points to well-intentioned policies like minimum wage increases that can unintentionally keep these less literate individuals out of work.


6/18/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 33.6 Percent in Arizona
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Arizona was 33.6 percent as of April 2010 – the fourth highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/18/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 34.2 Percent in California
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in California was 34.2 percent as of April 2010 – the third highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/18/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 28.6 Percent in Florida
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Florida was 28.6 percent as of April 2010 – the eighth highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/18/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 33.1 Percent in Oregon
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Oregon was 33.1 percent as of April 2010 – the fifth highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/18/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 28.6 Percent in South Carolina
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in South Carolina was 28.6 percent as of April 2010 – the eighth highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/16/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 32.7 Percent in Washington
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Washington was 32.7 percent as of April 2010 – the seventh highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/16/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 34.6 Percent in Nevada
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Nevada was 34.6 percent as of April 2010 – the second highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/16/10, New EPI Analysis Shows Teen Unemployment Rate Averages 27.5 Percent in Illinois
A new EPI analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data estimates that the average unemployment rate for teens in Illinois was 27.5 percent as of April 2010 – the thirteenth highest in the country. Economists point to the consequences of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and increases in state and federal minimum wages.


6/4/10, Unemployment Remains Near 30 Percent for 16 to 17-Year-Olds
New data released today from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the unemployment rate for 16 to 17-year-olds rose to 29.8 percent in May, the third highest it has ever been. The number of employed 16 to 17-year-olds fell by 24,000 on a seasonally adjusted basis.


5/21/10, Nevada Unemployment Rate Rises To 13.7 Percent
New data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that Nevada's unemployment rate rose to 13.7 percent in April 2010 – the highest unemployment rate on record for the Silver State.


5/19/10, New Analysis: 60 Percent of Black High School Dropouts Are Unemployed, Up From Nearly 40 Percent in 2007
Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new analysis of current Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that job prospects are poor for young high school dropouts this summer season. Economists blame a recession of historic proportions and the unintended consequences of increases in state and federal minimum wages.


5/14/10, More Layoffs In American Samoa A Result Of Congress’ Minimum Wage
EPI response to StarKist Tuna's announcement of plan to layoff 600 to 800 employees at its cannery in American Samoa.


5/13/10, Senate Considering $600 Million in New Spending to Create Teen Jobs, Ignores Economic Fact
EPI response to Senate consideration of the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 (H.R. 4899) that would spend $600 million to create summer employment opportunities for teens.


5/7/10, New Analysis Finds Long-Term Teen Unemployment Remains A Problem
An Employment Policies Institute (EPI) analysis of new Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data found a 123 percent increase in the percentage of unemployed teens spending 6 months or more looking for work.


5/5/10, Councilwoman Clarke’s Proposed Living Wage Ordinance a Job Killer for Baltimore
Response to Baltimore City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke's introduced legislation that requires all large retailers with more than $10 million in annual revenue to pay a “living wage” of $10.19 an hour.


4/22/10, OECD Report Recognizes Minimum Wage As A Worldwide Barrier To Teen Employment
A newly released report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) calls attention to the elevated level of teen unemployment that countries around the world are facing. OECD points to high minimum wages as one barrier preventing teens from finding a job.


4/16/10, California Unemployment Rate Rises To 12.6 Percent
New data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that California's March 2010 unemployment rate was a record-high 12.6 percent, rising from 10.6 percent in March 2009.


4/16/10, Florida Unemployment Rate Rises To 12.3 Percent
New data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that Florida's March 2010 unemployment rate was a record-high 12.3 percent, rising from 9.6 percent in March 2009.


4/16/10, Michigan Unemployment Rate Rises To 14.1 Percent
New data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that Michigan's March 2010 unemployment rate was a high 14.1 percent, rising from 12.6 percent in March 2009.


4/16/10, Nevada Unemployment Rate Rises To 13.4 Percent
New data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that Nevada's March 2010 unemployment rate was a record-high 13.4 percent, rising from 10.6 percent in March 2009.


4/8/10, New EPI Analysis Reveals Recession, Wage Mandates Combine to Nearly Triple Long-Term Teen Unemployment
A new analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) found a dramatic 174 percent increase in the percentage of unemployed teens spending 6 months or more looking for work. Economists blame the dire entry level job market on a combination of factors: the worst recession since the Great Depression and a series of ill-timed, government mandated wage hikes.


4/2/10, National Unemployment Rate Steady, But Those Without A High School Diploma Still Struggle
New data released today from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show the country’s employment situation stabilizing, with 162,000 jobs created and the nation’s jobless rate holding steady at 9.7 percent. However, the employment situation for some is still grim.


4/1/10, Nevada Announces Minimum Wage Increase Despite Record High Unemployment Rate
Today, Nevada State Labor Commissioner Michael Tanchek officially announced a 70 cent increase in the state’s minimum wage. The increase to $8.25 an hour will take effect July 1, 2010.


3/26/10, New Statistics Show Florida Unemployment Has Increased 184 Percent in Five Years
New employment data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that Florida's unemployment rate has increased 184 percent in the last five years, from 4.3 percent in 2005 to 12.2 percent in 2010.


3/26/10, New Statistics Show Pennsylvania Unemployment Has Increased 71 Percent in Five Years
New employment data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that Pennsylvania's unemployment rate has increased 71 percent in the last five years, from 5.2 percent in 2005 to 8.9 percent in 2010.


3/26/10, New Statistics Show Tennessee Unemployment Has Increased 88 Percent in Five Years
New employment data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that Tennessee's unemployment rate has increased 88 percent in the last five years, from 5.7 percent in 2005 to 10.7 percent in 2010.


3/26/10, New Statistics Show Virginia Unemployment Has Increased 100 Percent in Five Years
New employment data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that Virginia's unemployment rate has increased 100 percent in the last five years, from 3.6 percent in 2005 to 7.2 percent in 2010.


3/25/10, $600 Million in New Spending Not the Way to Create Teen Jobs
Wednesday night, the House of Representatives passed the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 (H.R. 4899). The bill will send $600 million to states to create summer employment opportunities for teens.


3/23/10, Employment Policy Group Urges Wisconsin Legislators to Consider Unintended Consequences of Wage Increase and Indexing
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) urged legislators in Wisconsin to consider the negative unintended consequences of indexing the state’s minimum wage.


3/17/10, New Report Profiles the Plight of America’s 8.9 Million “Working Poor”
A new report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the country’s number of working poor grew by 1.4 million in 2008, with a total 8.9 million working adults now unable to make a living that keeps them above the federal poverty line.


3/5/10, New Teen Employment Numbers Demonstrate Need for Youth-Focused “Jobs” Action
While falling slightly, teen unemployment remains high at 25 percent. Minority teen unemployment is higher still, with 42 percent of these teens looking for work and unable to find it.


2/1/10, New Obama Budget Cuts a Program Aimed at Helping Low-Income Americans
The White House released details of the President’s proposed budget cuts for 2011. On the chopping block is the Advance Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a program which allows very poor working Americans to modestly increase the size of their take-home pay.


1/29/10, New Survey Shows Employment Gap Between American Teens
New survey data released yesterday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) paints a troubling picture of the employment gap between white and black teenage Americans.




8/7/09, July Unemployment Numbers Reveal Minimum Wage Impact
Politicians continue to use minimum wage hikes as a “feel good policy,” without regard for current economic conditions or the decades of research showing their negative effects on job growth. This summer teens were hit especially hard by the wage increase and the full effects will be felt for years to come.”


8/4/09, New IRS Data Shows 88 Percent of EITC Benefits in 2007 Were Paid to Low Income Families
The annual Individual Income Tax Returns report released yesterday by the Internal Revenue Service provides more evidence that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is actually better equipped to target poverty than other policy tools, including the July 24th federal minimum wage increase.


7/17/09, New Ad Campaign: ‘Countdown to Job Loss’ Highlights Effects of July 24 Minimum Wage Hike
Thirty-Eight States Report Job Losses; National Unemployment at 25 Year High and Teen Summer Job Climate Worst in 60 Years


7/6/09, Are Summer Jobs ‘Going Out of Business?’
New employment data released Thursday, July 2 confirmed what economists (and parents of teenagers across the country) feared – the bad economy and increasing federal minimum wage have had a disastrous effect on teens looking for jobs this summer.


6/23/09, New EPI Healthcare Study by June O’Neill Shows Uninsured “Crisis” Wildly Overestimated
Former CBO Director and Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors’ Authors New Report Titled “Who are the Uninsured?”




5/28/09, Teen Unemployment Skyrocketing in Weak Economy
The weak economy is combining with high mandated wage levels to create the perfect storm of unemployment for less experienced groups like teenagers.


5/27/09, Minimum Wage Indexing Legislation Would Further Harm Rhode Island’s Job Market
The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) criticized legislation being considered today by the Rhode Island Senate (SB 659) that would put increases in the state minimum wage on auto pilot beginning in 2011.


4/17/09, At least 40,000 Jobs Lost As a Result of Oregon’s Automatic Indexing
The study, by Oregon economist and Pacific University professor Eric Fruits, finds that higher minimum wage policies in Oregon and neighboring Washington are associated with an increase in unemployment. The study found that if Oregon’s minimum wage was equal to the lower federal minimum wage rate, the state’s unemployment rate would have been 6.2 percent. The difference represents approximately 40,000 lost jobs in the state over that six year period.




3/16/09, Oregon Unemployment Skyrocketing Thanks to Indexed Wage Hikes
The new Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data shows a continuing employment spiral that is coinciding with drastic increases in Oregon's minimum wage.


3/6/09, Teen Unemployment Skyrocketing in Weak Economy
The weak economy is combining with high mandated wage levels to create the perfect storm of unemployment for less experienced and less educated groups like teenagers and adults without a high school degree


12/30/08, Washington’s New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups
As Washington approaches yet another increase in the minimum wage rate on January 1st, the Employment Policies Institute released new data showing that last year’s hike caused increased job loss in the state, particularly among vulnerable groups.


12/22/08, Study: Obama Wage Hike Not The Right Solution
roposed Earned Income Tax Credit Much More Efficient At Curbing Poverty WASHINGTON – The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study today showing that President-elect Barack Obama’s proposed increase in the minimum wage would be an extremely inefficient method for helping the working poor.


9/9/08, New Ad Addresses Teen Employment Crisis
Today, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) unveiled a radio advertisement detailing the high levels of unemployment among American teens.


7/22/08, New Federal Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups
As the United States approaches yet another increase in the federal minimum wage rate on Thursday, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released new preliminary data showing the relationship between minimum wage increases and unemployment.




6/24/08, EPI Calls on Connecticut Legislature to Uphold Minimum Wage Veto
Today the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) encouraged the Connecticut legislature to uphold Governor Jodi Rell's veto of HB 5015 which would increase the state's minimum wage twice in the next 18 months.


6/19/08, USA TODAY Full-Page Ad Highlights Unemployment Crisis Among Minority Teens
Today the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) drew attention to the teen employment drought with a full-page advertisement in the USA TODAY. The ad raises the issue of minority teen unemployment, calling it the biggest crisis currently facing this population group.


5/27/08, New Ad in Hartford Courant Blasts Proposed Connecticut Minimum Wage Hike
Today the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) criticized a proposed increase to Connecticut’s minimum wage with a full-page print advertisement in the Hartford Courant. The ad highlights quotes by renowned economists Alan Greenspan, Milton Friedman, and Gary Becker who believe that minimum wage hikes kill jobs and hurt low-skilled and less educated members of the workforce.


5/1/08, Raising Minnesota’s Minimum Wage Will Result in Job Loss for Low-Skilled Workers
Today the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) criticized SB 875, legislation scheduled to come to a vote today in the Minnesota House, which would increase the state’s minimum wage by nearly 30% over the next 15 months.


4/15/08, Raising Maine’s Minimum Wage Will Result in Job Loss for Low-Skilled Workers
The unintended consequences of this legislation is pricing low-skilled working Mainers out of the job market and increasing unemployment among those groups that need help the most.


1/31/08, New Study Shows NY Minimum Wage Proposal Ineffective at Targeting Working Poor
Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study today showing that the proposed New York State minimum wage hike is wildly ineffective at targeting those who need help the most.


1/15/08, Tying Wisconsin’s Minimum Wage to Inflation Will Jeopardize Low-Skilled Jobs
Indexing minimum wages does little more than put a cycle of rising labor costs on auto-pilot; the result will be reduced job growth and annually increasing harm to the job opportunities for the least skilled, all without any measurable reduction in poverty.


12/7/07, New Unemployment Numbers Show Increase Among Teens
This bleak employment outlook for vulnerable members of the workforce comes on the heels of a federal minimum wage hike. Decades of economic research show that mandated wage hikes eliminate entry-level jobs, putting particular pressure on young minorities and the least educated.


10/10/07, EPI Statement on Governor Schwarzenegger's Health Care Reform Bill
Foisting insurance costs onto employers will not solve California’s health care crisis


10/5/07, Following Federal Minimum Wage Hike, Unemployment Rises Among Least Educated Americans
Following the first federal minimum wage hike in nearly a decade unemployment increased among the least educated Americans


9/28/07, Maryland's New Living Wage Will Result in Job Loss
MD's new living wage will likely result in job loss for those it purports to help.


9/17/07, Statement on Senator Hillary Clinton's Health Care Plan
Any plan that tries to achieve universal coverage without addressing the rising costs of health care is bound to fail


9/10/07, Minimum Wage Increases Hurt Less-Educated Single Mothers, Study Shows
A new study released today by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) finds that less-educated single mothers suffer an overall decrease in their income following a minimum wage increase.


8/3/07, Teen Labor Market Participation Rate Falling in the Midst of the Summer Job Season, According to New Federal Data
In July, the teen labor market participation rate -- which measures the number of teens with a job or actively looking for a job -- fell to 41.2%, according to the Labor Department's July jobs report. This decline indicates that many teens are leaving the job market during the height of the summer job season. The likely causes are state and federal minimum wage hikes, which destroy entry-level job opportunities.


7/24/07, Majority of Labor Economists Believe Minimum Wage Hikes Cause Unemployment
An overwhelming majority of American labor economists agree that minimum wage hikes are an inefficient way to address the needs of poor families, according to a new national survey of the American Economic Association (AEA). The survey was conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center and sponsored by the Employment Policies Institute.


7/7/07, Summer Job Drop: African American Teens Suffer as Unemployment Jumps
In June, African American teen unemployment grew to seven times the national rate, according to the U.S. Labor Department’s monthly jobs report.


5/29/07, Minimum Wage Hike is an Empty Promise for Low-Income Families
On May 25, President Bush quietly signed a bill raising the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25, but the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) warns that minimum wage hikes are a failed anti-poverty tool and have historically put low-skilled Americans out of work.


2/26/07, New Study Reveals Devastating Consequences of Employer-Mandated Healthcare
A study released today by the Employment Policies Institute [EPI] reveals that a national mandate on businesses to provide health insurance to their employees would result in almost a million (995,000) lost jobs.


1/16/07, New Study Reveals Minimum Wage Hikes Lead to Job Loss for Minorities and High School Drop-Outs
A study released today by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) reveals the increasing job losses that plague minorities and high school drop-outs following minimum wage hikes.


1/10/07, Minimum Wage Hike: An Empty Promise for Low-Income Families
The Employment Policies Institute warns today that legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 would put low-skilled Americans out of work and ultimately prove ineffective at fighting poverty.


12/1/06, Minimum Wage Hike Threatens Healthy U.S. Economy
Despite the flourishing U.S. economy and record low unemployment level, low-skilled jobs—such as the retail and leisure and hospitality industries—are in decline. These jobs will be further threatened by the prospect of a federal minimum wage hike, warns the Employment Policies Institute (EPI).


10/31/06, ACORN in Hot Water Again for Voter Fraud
Washington, DC–ACORN is once again under scrutiny by elections officials, the public, and the press for apparent voter registration fraud in Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. These accusations are only the most recent in the group’s notorious history that includes ties to voter fraud in 12 states, as outlined in a report by the Employment Policies Institute [EPI].


10/12/06, 650 Economists May Support a Minimum Wage Hike, but Over 13,000 Believe it Will Destroy Jobs
The Economic Policy Institute has managed to find 650 economists who support raising the minimum wage, but the Employment Policies Institute points to a survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire revealing that 77% (13,860) of labor economists with the American Economics Association believe minimum wage hikes have a negative effect on employment.


9/26/06, New Study Shows Minimum Wage Hike Is a Job Killer for Arizona
A new study commissioned by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) on the impact of Arizona’s proposed minimum wage increase shows that not only would a hike put over 4,600 Arizonans out of work, but nearly 70% of the benefits would go to families that aren’t poor.


8/24/06, New Study Shows Minimum Wage Hike Would Put Low-skilled Missourians Out of Work
A new study commissioned by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) on the impact of Missouri’s ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage shows that not only would a hike put low-skilled adults out of work, but over 80% of the benefits would go to families that aren’t poor.


8/17/06, Chicago City Council Should Ask Santa Fe Mayor Why Job Growth in His City Is at Four-Year Low
The Chicago City Council is flying the mayor of Santa Fe into Chicago today for an emergency meeting in support of the city’s “Big Box” mandate. However, Santa Fe is no economic role model but rather a cautionary tale of dismal job growth following their own living wage ordinance.


8/11/06, ACORN’s Voter Fraud in Ohio is Part of Larger Pattern
ACORN’s recent run-in with the Franklin County elections board for allegedly turning in falsified voter registration cards is only the latest in a long-standing pattern of dubious elections practices.


8/4/06, African American Teen Unemployment Up 14% in July to Well Over Six Times National Average
While the nation’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.8%, the unemployment rate among African American teens jumped by 14% in the month of July to the shockingly high rate of 31.6%, according to the Labor Department’s July jobs report.


8/1/06, Congress must stop playing politics with low-skilled jobs
Research commissioned by the Employment Policies Institute shows that a federal minimum wage hike is an ineffective anti-poverty tool that would cost low-skilled adults their jobs.


7/28/06, Only 3.8% of benefits from the $7.25 minimum wage hike would go to poor single mothers
Only 3.8% of the benefits from the House’s proposed minimum wage hike to $7.25 an hour would go to poor single mothers, and only 3.7% of the benefits would go to poor African American families, according to a recent EPI-commissioned study from economists at Cornell and the University of Georgia.


7/27/06, “Big Box Bill” is a bitter pill for low-skilled Chicagoans
Chicago city council’s recently passed “Big Box Bill” will destroy jobs and put low-skilled employees out of work.


7/27/06, When House considers position on the minimum wage Friday, will they forget Econ 101?
The House is expected to vote tomorrow on a proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25, and the Employment Policies Institute reminds lawmakers that mandated wage hikes are ineffective at reducing poverty and jeopardize low-skilled jobs.


7/10/06, Edwards Partners With ACORN In Minimum Wage Battle: Group Fought Pay-Raise For Own Employees
John Edwards is teaming up with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) to promote a minimum wage hike for Arizona, but does Edwards know that ACORN once sued the state of California to exempt itself from paying its own employees the minimum wage?


7/7/06, African American Teen Unemployment Up 11% in June to More than Six Times National Average
This bleak employment outlook for young African Americans threatens to become much worse as lawmakers return to the Capitol next week and again take up the debate to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, according to the Employment Policies Institute.


7/6/06, New Report Reveals the Truth About ACORN
A new report released today by the Employment Policies Institute reveals the truth behind the community group ACORN, including new information about the group’s hypocrisy over paying their employees the minimum wage, ties to voter fraud, federal grant violations, and union-busting.


6/21/06, National Awareness Campaign Combats Kennedy’s Misguided Approach on the Minimum Wage
Across the nation this week, commuters will learn a startling fact during the morning traffic report: most minimum wage earners aren’t poor.


6/19/06, Kennedy’s Minimum Wage Hike Targets Families with Average Income of Over $45,000 a Year
Senator Kennedy (D-MA) announced today on the Senate floor his plan to raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. The average family income of those who would benefit from the increase is $45,580 a year, according to research from the Employment Policies Institute [EPI].


6/13/06, Federal Minimum Wage Hike Approved by Wrong House Committee Targets Wrong People
The House Appropriations Committee approved legislation today that would raise the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. According to the Employment Policies Institute [EPI], the average family income of those who would benefit from the increase is $45,580 a year. A full House vote on the issue is expected as early as next week.


6/5/06, NY’s Fair Share Bill: Up to 100,000 Jobs Lost, $9.2 Billion Hit to Business
As the New York Senate holds a committee hearing today to explore ways of increasing healthcare coverage in the state, the Employment Policies Institute [EPI] recommends policies that will reduce healthcare costs for the individual rather than expensive and ineffective employer mandates that will put low-skilled employees out of work.


5/12/06, New Study Reveals Faulty Methodology Behind Minimum Wage Research
The recent study by Policy Matters Ohio claiming that minimum wage hikes do not lead to declines in small business employment relies on fantastically faulty methodology, according to research released today by the Employment Policies Institute.


5/5/06, African American Teen Unemployment More Than Six Times the National Rate
Though the overall economy shows signs of improving, this bleak employment outlook for young African Americans threatens to become much worse as states across the nation consider mandated minimum wage hikes.


5/4/06, U.S. House Panel Holds Hearing on Impact of Employer Healthcare Mandates
A panel under the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing today on the impact of employer-provided healthcare mandates. Craig Garthwaite, research fellow in economics for the Employment Policies Institute [EPI], testified on the resultant job loss, immense cost, and overall ineffectiveness of these mandates in covering the uninsured.


5/2/06, Activist Group ACORN Returns to Missouri Despite ’03 Voter Fraud Allegations
As the activist group ACORN again descends on Missouri—this time to collect signatures for a minimum wage hike ballot initiative—the Employment Policies Institute released a brief history of the trail of shady activities ACORN has blazed in their campaigns.


4/21/06, Albuquerque Minimum Wage Hike Will Cost Jobs
The Albuquerque City Council’s decision to raise the minimum wage will put low-skilled employees out of work. Citing the 540 lost jobs and 16% increase in unemployment that followed Santa Fe’s minimum wage increase in 2004, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) warns Albuquerque leaders that their city will suffer similar consequences.


4/12/06, Solving the healthcare problem: Massachusetts vs. New York
While the country works to solve the healthcare problem, both Massachusetts and New York have proposed very different solutions to reduce the number of uninsured in their states. While Massachusetts’ proposal is designed to seriously tackle the problem of the uninsured, New York’s is not only largely ineffective, but will cost up to 100,000 jobs.


4/11/06, NY Healthcare Mandate: Up to 100,000 Jobs Lost, $9.2 Billion Hit to Business
Up to 100,000 jobs would be lost in New York State and businesses stand to take a $9.2 billion dollar hit under a proposed healthcare mandate, according to research by University of Kentucky economist Dr. Aaron Yelowitz.


3/29/06, California Minimum Wage Hike Will Result in Job Loss for Low-skilled
The California State Legislature will hold hearings today over three bills to increase the minimum wage and the Employment Policies Institute [EPI] advises lawmakers not to ignore decades of economic research concluding that mandated wage hikes put low-skilled employees out of work.


3/23/06, Ohio’s Proposed Wage Hike Would Result in 12,000 Lost Jobs and a $308 Million Blow to State Economy
he proposed legislative effort to raise Ohio’s minimum wage would lead to a catastrophic $308 million hit on the Ohio economy and the loss of 12,000 jobs, according to a study commissioned by the Washington, DC-based nonprofit Employment Policies Institute (EPI).


3/22/06, Employment Policies Institute Testifies in Harrisburg in Support of Earned Income Tax Credit
In a special hearing today before the Pennsylvania House Finance Committee, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) will testify in support of developing a State Earned Income Tax Credit [EITC] as a better solution than a minimum wage hike to help the Commonwealth’s low-skilled employees.


3/16/06, Maryland’s Proposed Healthcare Mandate Will Result in Job Loss for Low-skilled and Fail to Reach Many In Need of Coverage
In a special hearing being held today, Maryland lawmakers will consider a proposal to mandate employer-provided healthcare that, if approved, will put many of the state’s least-skilled out of work and still fail to reach a large portion of the uninsured.


3/8/06, Raising Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Will Result in Job Loss for Low-Skilled
While the intent of raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania is to assist low-skilled employees, a mandated hike will result in job loss for the very people it is meant to help, according to the Employment Policies Institute.


2/15/06, Raising New Mexico’s minimum wage will result in devastating job loss for low-skilled employees;
As New Mexico legislators debate a hike in the state’s minimum wage, the Employment Policies Institute advises lawmakers to learn from the devastating consequences of Santa Fe’s living wage ordinance which included job loss, involuntary part-time employment, and perhaps most surprisingly, no significant increase in income for those earning at the lowest 10th, 25th or 50th percentile.


2/3/06, January Jobs Report Reveals African American Teen Unemployment Increases to Almost 7 Times the National Rate
Troublingly, while overall teenage unemployment saw a slight decrease from 13.4% to 13.3%, African American teen unemployment increased to 6.7 times the national rate. This bleak employment outlook threatens to become much worse as states across the nation consider mandated minimum wage hikes.


2/1/06, Research Reveals Folly of Managing Healthcare through Employers
Three studies released by the Employment Policies Institute reveal mandates requiring businesses to provide healthcare coverage are ineffective and ultimately result in job loss for the nation’s low-skilled employees.


1/26/06, EPI-Sponsored Research Offers Market-Based Solutions to the Healthcare Crisis
President Bush’s strategy to address the nation’s ailing healthcare system is expected to draw heavily from the counsel of economists R. Glenn Hubbard, John F. Cogan, and Daniel Kessler, who recently encapsulated their recommendations in the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs. This influential work was sponsored by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI).


1/24/06, Research Reveals Increases in Insurance Premiums Result in Job Loss for Low-skilled Employees
A study released today by the Employment Policies Institute reveals that as the cost of insurance premiums rise, pressure on businesses to keep labor costs in check results in job loss and involuntary part-time employment concentrated among low-skilled employees.


1/19/06, Research Reveals Employer Healthcare Mandates Fail to Cover Uninsured and Ultimately Lead to Job Loss
If employer-paid healthcare mandates were passed nationwide, they would fail to provide coverage for 45 percent of those currently uninsured


1/18/06, Think Raising the Minimum Wage is a Good Idea? Think Again.
Today, the Employment Policies Institute [EPI] is running a full-page ad in the Washington Post asking the public to rethink the notion that minimum wage hikes are a good idea. The timing of the ad coincides with the introduction of federal legislation to hike the minimum wage by over 40 percent.


1/17/06, New Study Shows Healthcare Mandates Do Little to Increase Coverage of Uninsured
A study released today by the Employment Policies Institute on the dynamics of healthcare coverage reveals employer-funded healthcare mandates, such as the recently passed “Wal-Mart Bill” in Maryland, have little effect on the uninsured.


12/8/05, New Study Reveals Devastating Consequences of Wage Hike for Santa Fe's Least-Educated Adults
A new study on the outcome of Santa Fe’s Living Wage Ordinance commissioned by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) exposes the negative economic consequences resulting from June 2004’s wage hike.


11/22/05, “Son of 72” sequel as bad as the first
The Worker Health Care Security Act introduced today is strikingly similar to last year’s Proposition 72 which, according to research by the Employment Policies Institute (EPI), would have resulted in lost jobs for Californians.


10/18/05, Senator Kennedy Ignores Economic Reality of Minimum Wage Increases,
While introducing his amendment to increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour, Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) chose to ignore the economic reality of mandated wage increases.


9/2/05, Labor Day 2005: Five Reasons Not To Increase the Minimum Wage
As Labor Day approaches, the traditional pleas for a minimum wage hike come from those who do not understand or choose to ignore the negative economic consequences of raising the wage floor.


7/29/05, John Edwards Should Separate Self From ACORN’s Baggage On Columbus Minimum Wage Tour
The activist group to which former vice-presidential candidate John Edwards has attached his minimum wage crusade once sued the state of California to exempt itself from paying its own employees the minimum wage.


6/8/05, Massachusetts Health Insurance Mandate Could Trigger Harsh Unintended Consequences
Low-skill employees could see dramatic job loss from a health insurance mandate under consideration in the Massachusetts legislature. A new Employment Policies Institute (EPI) study looks at the potential labor market consequences of health insurance mandates with which many state legislatures are experimenting as a solution to reducing the number of the nation’s uninsured.


5/25/05, Proposed Minimum Wage Hike Would Harm Albuquerque's Least-Skilled Employees
When Albuquerque’s city council meets to discuss increasing the minimum wage to $7.15 they should strongly consider the negative impact such action would have on the city’s most at need.


3/7/05, Senator Kennedy Ignores Economic Reality of Minimum Wage Increases
Senator Kennedy claims that his minimum wage increase is a family issue because many of the beneficiaries are women with children. He does not mention that only 8 percent of the benefits from his wage increase will be single mothers, and only 4 percent will be single mothers in poverty.


3/3/05, WHO WILL REALLY BENEFIT FROM SENATOR KENNEDY’S $7.25 MINIMUM WAGE?
An analysis of data compiled by the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey shows that the average family income of employees who would benefit from a minimum wage increase to $7.25 is nearly $42,000 a year.


2/14/05, Who will really benefit from New Jersey's minimum wage hike?
The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) testified today before the New Jersey Assembly Labor Committee on the negative economic consequences of raising the state minimum wage to $7.15 per hour. EPI presented figures from the U.S. Census Bureau that show the vast majority of the benefits of such an increase will not reach its intended target—New Jersey’s working families.


2/10/05, Who will really benefit from Maryland's Minimum wage hike?
The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) testified today before the Maryland State Senate Finance Committee on the negative economic consequences of raising the state minimum wage to $6.15 per hour. EPI will present figures from the U.S. Census Bureau which show that the vast majority of the benefits of such an increase will not reach its intended target--Maryland’s low-income working families.


2/8/05, Governor Granholm’s Michigan Wage Hike Threatens Already Fragile Economy
With an unemployment rate of 7.3%—tied for the highest in the nation—and a loss of 47,000 jobs since last December, Michigan’s low-skilled employees cannot withstand the Governor’s proposed increase, said the Employment Policies Institute today.


1/7/05, December Jobs Report Highlights Need for Skilled Employees
While the overall job picture continues to improve, the nation’s lowest skilled employees are still facing a difficult job market.


12/6/04, No Override: Hiking New York’s Minimum Wage Will Trigger Unintended Consequences
Raising the minimum wage would trigger unintended consequences that would directly and negatively affect the very low-income employees legislators believe they are helping.


12/3/04, Low-Skill Employees Still Suffering Difficult Labor Market
The most recent employment numbers make it clear that skill level remains one of the most accurate predictors of success in the labor market.


11/5/04, Bad Jobs News for Black and Hispanic Teens In October Unemployment Figures
Minimum wage increases will make life even more difficult for a subset of Americans who are struggling to cross the gateway into the labor market.


10/19/04, Proposition 72 Myths
“Yes on 72” Campaign Distorting Costs of Job-Killing Health Care Mandate


10/13/04, ACORN Voter Registration Fraud Allegations Are Just The Tip of The Iceberg
EPI's updated report detailing significant voter registration fraud conducted by ACORN in Florida


9/27/04, New Study Says Passage of Proposition 72 Would Destroy Up to 150,000 Jobs
A new study by The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) reveals that Proposition 72, which would require all employers in the state of California with 20 or more employees to provide full medical insurance for their employees, will cost businesses up to $12.9 billion per year and result in as many as 150,000 lost jobs.


8/27/04, Minimum Wage Hike Would Likely Worsen Poverty
Research Shows That Mandated Wage Increase is a Poorly Targeted Policy That Decreases Job Opportunities


8/6/04, Fourth Straight Month of Rising Unemployment for Black Teens
High unemployment for entry-level employees should caution legislators considering minimum wage increases.


7/2/04, Unemployment Crisis for Black Teens
Kerry/Kennedy Minimum Wage Proposal Harmful to Already Struggling Entry-Level Job Seekers


7/1/04, Sen. Kerry's Minimum Wage Hike Is Inefficient Way To Help Working Poor
Cornell University Economist Says New Study Shows Few Benefits Will Reach Impoverished Families


6/29/04, Sen. Kerry’s Minimum Wage Plan Hurts Already Struggling Employees
Gatewayjobs.com highlights plight of low-skill employees who would be hurt by minimum wage increase


6/18/04, Sen. Kerry vs. Nobel Prize Economists
Washington – While John Kerry calls for a 36% increase in the minimum wage, the majority of economic research, including the statements of five Nobel Prize-winning economists, continue to show that raising the minimum wage is a dangerous political ploy that will only serve to make life harder for the nation’s least skilled employees.


4/29/04, Minimum Wage Hikes Result in Job Loss for Affected Employees
Nation's Least-Skilled Workers Most Likely to Be Harmed by Increase


4/21/04, Who Will Really Benefit From Florida's Minimum Wage Hike?
U.S. Census Data Show Just 14% of Minimum Wage Recipients Are Sole Earners in Families With Children


4/13/04, Minnesota's Proposed Minimum Wage Hike Harmful To Less-Skilled Employees And Welfare Recipients
Efforts to raise Minnesota’s state minimum wage to $6.65 per hour would have devastating consequences for less-skilled employees and welfare recipients across the state, the Employment Policies Institute (EPI) warned today.


4/12/04, Who Will Really Benefit From California's Minimum Wage Hike?
U.S. Census Data Show Just 18% of Minimum Wage Recipients are Sole Earners in Families With Children


4/7/04, Who Will Really Benefit From Minnesota's Minimum Wage Hike?
Average Family Income of Employees Affected by Proposed Increase is $57,008


4/5/04, Who Will Really Benefit From Maine's Minimum Wage Hike?
U.S. Census Data Show Less Than 2% of Minimum Wage Recipients Are Sole Earners in Families With Children.


4/1/04, Who Will Really Benefit From New York's Minimum Wage Hike?
U.S. Census Data Show Over 84% of Minimum Wage Earners Live With Working Relatives, Live Alone or Have a Working Spouse


10/7/03, Newly Signed California Health Insurance Law To Cost Businesses $11.4 Billion
A new health insurance mandate signed this past weekend by California Governor Gray Davis will cost Golden State businesses $11.4 billion a year resulting in massive job loss, particularly to less-skilled workers.


10/3/03, Governor Davis To Sign $11.4 Billion Health Insurance Mandate Over Weekend
Governor Gray Davis is expected to sign a controversial health insurance bill this weekend that would cost California businesses $11.4 billion a year.


9/2/03, Who Really Benefits From A Minimum Wage Hike?
Upon returning to session, Congress will be facing a proposed increase in the federal minimum wage to $6.65 an hour. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, those who would most benefit from the $1.50 increase are not from poor families.


8/15/03, Welfare Reform Increased Job and Earning Opportunities for Welfare Recipients
New Study Finds Welfare Reform Decreased Dependence on Cash Assistance and Increased the Financial Quality of Life of Welfare Recipients


8/11/03, ACORN is Dishonest Broker for Florida Workers
The national union organization leading the effort to hike Florida's minimum wage to $6.15 once sued the state of California in order to avoid paying its own employees the state minimum wage.


7/16/03, Kennedy Ignores Unemployment Crisis in 397 Economically Depressed Cities and Counties
The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) warned Congress today that a proposed minimum wage hike from $5.15 to $6.65 an hour would worsen conditions in 399 depressed cities and counties as employers replaced the least skilled employees with more highly skilled workers.


7/16/03, Kennedy Minimum Wage Hike Hurts Employees with Least Skills Says Employment Policies Institute
The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) warned Congress today that a proposed minimum wage hike from $5.15 to $6.65 an hour would heat up the competition for entry-level jobs, resulting in the least skilled employees being replaced by more highly skilled workers.


7/14/03, San Francisco Residents Oppose Minimum Wage Hike
A new poll taken on behalf of the Employment Policies Institute finds low support for San Francisco Supervisor Matt Gonzales' proposed minimum wage hike among San Francisco residents.


5/1/03, May Day or Dis-May Day for ACORN?
An EPI report shows that the national labor activist group busted unionization efforts of its own employees, sued to avoid paying workers minimum wage, and abused a government grant to boost its own membership.


2/26/03, Study Shows One in Twenty Employees Will Lose Job Under Santa Fe's Living Wage Law
Santa Fe’s least educated and low skilled will be at risk for loss of employment under Santa Fe’s proposed “living wage” increase, according to new research.


1/30/03, Eight Out of Ten Labor Economists Agree: Low-Wage Workers Lose in 'Living Wage' Laws
U.S. labor economists, living wage proponents and opponents overwhelmingly agree that so-called “living wage” laws will result in low-wage workers being replaced by higher skilled, more educated workers.


10/1/01, Governor Davis to Sign $11.4 Billion Health Insurance Mandate over Weekend
Governor Gray Davis is expected to sign a controversial health insurance bill this weekend that would cost California businesses $11.4 billion a year.



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