Most Hoosiers don’t yet realize it, but much of the state is in the midst of a quiet revolution. Many elected leaders now recognize that the economic development efforts of the past half century have failed to deliver prosperity to their cities and towns. Sadly, in far too many communities, 50 years of ‘romancing the…
Indiana’s unemployment rate has hit a ‘once in a generation’ low point that is well beneath the level considered normal for a healthy economy. This is an especially good time for workers, who should be anticipating wage and salary increases. At the same time, our labor force growth has slipped into negative territory over the…
Governor Holcomb’s signature on Senate Bill 1 allows Hoosiers to buy alcoholic beverages on Sundays. Fortunately, I have several recorded college football games to help celebrate the event. This would seem the occasion to say something clever, like, “Welcome to the 21st century, Indiana,” but this isn’t about modern mores. There’s something far different at…
As our state faces an increasing drug epidemic that is nearing crisis levels, we must take action. We must combat drug abuse on all fronts, including prevention, treatment, and enforcement. However, we must do so responsibly. There are a few different treatment options in Indiana, including methadone clinics and Office-Based Opioid Treatment facilities (OBOT). These…
A shortage of local housing options is one of the more frequent concerns I hear from elected leaders in the Midwest. The lament is often too few executive homes, or is a shortage of middle-income homes, or low-income housing. While all these concerns may be true, lack of housing is a symptom of a deeper…
Indiana’s economy is performing well these days, but growth is very uneven. From 1990 to 2017, the greater Indianapolis area gained 323,200 jobs, while the rest of the state experienced employment growth of only 291,500 jobs. That means the metro area with only 29 percent of the population enjoyed 53 percent of job growth. In…
This commentary was written by Stephen Key, executive director and general counsel of the Hoosier State Press Association. At the end of their year, corporations create an annual report for their shareholders. They mail it to those shareholders or present it at a meeting of those shareholders. The information helps investors decide on whether they…
This week, the research center where I am employed released its 2018 economic forecast. As with most recent years, this forecast has mixed projections. Importantly, this forecast coincides with the 10th anniversary of the start of the Great Recession, so it is worth explaining how much of its effects linger and perhaps what caused the…
Probably the single most misunderstood facet of the economy involves trade and foreign investment. At least a dozen times a year I hear some version of the following claim: “Our nation needs to rebalance trade while attracting more foreign investment.” This statement sounds sophisticated, sober and well-reasoned, the words of a thoughtful statesman with exposure…
Here is a video of the ongoing renovation on the Astra Theatre on the Square in Jasper from WITZ AM/FM. Cover photo from here. We are a rag tag bunch, this group of six. We are working hard to bring the Astra alive on a regular basis by doing all the tasks of running a…
