Facing an expected $1.5 billion revenue shortfall over two years, Gov. Lee and state lawmakers turned to nearly every available tool to balance the budget.
Continue readingUnemployment Insurance in Tennessee
Over the last two decades, Tennesseans have been less likely than other out-of-work Americans to get unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, the value of those benefits has fallen
Continue readingHow Big Is Tennessee’s Revenue Drop Going to Be?
Four economists gave their best estimates of how the coronavirus pandemic will affect state tax revenue in the current and next fiscal years.
Continue readingWhich Tennessee Counties Might See the Largest Drop in Sales Tax Revenue?
As the coronavirus’ economic toll grows, the Great Recession offers clues for how falling sales tax revenues will affect county budgets.
Continue readingHow State Policy Shapes Local Governance in Tennessee
Tennessee’s local governments often have the most impact on our daily lives, but state policies frequently shape their options, decisions, and priorities.
Continue reading5 Ways to Measure Prosperity in Tennessee
Unemployment, labor force participation, GDP, income, and poverty are five of the many ways to measure growth and prosperity in Tennessee.
Continue readingMeasuring Prosperity: Gross Domestic Product
While GDP offers valuable insight into Tennessee’s economy, there are many aspects of economic well-being it does not capture.
Continue readingMeasuring Prosperity: Labor Force Participation
Tennessee’s labor force participation rate is consistently lower than the national average, but the gap has narrowed in recent years.
Continue readingMeasuring Prosperity: The Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate measures the share of Tennessee’s labor force without a job, but not all working-age adults count as “in the labor force.”
Continue readingMeasuring Prosperity: Poverty
We measure poverty to gain insights into how many people have trouble meeting their basic needs.
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