The annual State of Working Wisconsin report from COWS found the state’s median wage rose from $17.48 per hour in 1979 to $20.24 per hour in 2020, with “strong wage growth” in the past two …
COWS in the News
COWS report highlights pandemic impact on leisure, hospitality jobs
“It’s adding jobs unevenly, but more-or-less on a pretty consistent upswing,” said Laura Dresser, associate director of COWS. “I think people can see this in their communities … Many restaurants are working shorter hours, or …
Nearly half of Wisconsin jobs lost during COVID-19 came from hospitality industry
COWS’ annual “State of Working Wisconsin” report found that, despite steady jobs growth over the summer, the state’s July 2021 jobs count was 3.8% lower than it was in February 2020. Researchers argue that a weak labor …
A lifeline that became a partisan issue. Will the end of enhanced unemployment benefits ease the state’s worker shortage?
Laura Dresser, COWS associate director, is skeptical of claims that characterize enhanced unemployment as a disincentive. Dresser pointed out that the San Francisco Federal Reserve study also found only a small fraction of workers receiving the previous, …
Worker shortage likely to continue, long-term trends seen as likely in play as well
In an August 8, 2021 interview with Joseph States of the Kenosha News, Laura Dresser points out that there are over 120,000 fewer jobs than before the pandemic. While many have pointed to an increase …
The Truth Behind The So-Called Labor Shortage
Laura Dresser joined WORT host of A Public Affair Allen Ruff to challenge these myths of the “labor shortage” narrative. They talk about the working class in Wisconsin, the pandemic economy, the importance of worker …
Pandemic Unemployment Aid and the Workforce
PBS Wisconsin’s Here and Now host Fredericka Freyberg interviewed Laura Dresser on Friday, July 30, 2021.
What’s The True Impact Of Enhanced Federal Unemployment Aid? A Labor Economist Weighs In
While the debate over enhanced federal unemployment aid in Wisconsin has been settled for now, the broader, national discussion on the issue continues. At least 26 states have cut their ties with the program. Business …
Still fighting for $15
The one in three workers who would be helped by an increase aren’t the stereotypical teenager for whom a minimum wage job is a short-term source of extra income, according to Laura Dresser, a UW …
Sen. Melissa Agard: The case for raising the minimum wage – COWS study cited
Increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour would have tangible, positive effects on our state’s economy. With more money in the pockets of low-wage workers, we would see a boost in economic activity as …