Project Updates & Analysis

  • June 2022 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 has cooled somewhat after the steady growth in preceding months. In June the state lost 1,800 jobs. Even so, we have come a long way out of the massive jobs hole created in March 2020. 

  • May 2022 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continued in May with the state adding 2,200 jobs. Even so, the state has 2.1% fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic.

  • April 2022 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continued in April with the state adding 2,700 jobs. Even so, the state has 2.2% fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic. 

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    March 2022 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continued in March with the state adding 1,000 jobs – albeit at a significantly slower rate than last month. We have come a long way out of the massive jobs hole created in March 2020. Even so, the state has 2.3% fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic. 

  • February 2022 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continued in February with the state adding 18,600 jobs. Even with this growth, the state has 77,300 fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic – almost exactly 2 years …

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    December 2021 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 continued in December with the state adding 6,300 jobs. We have come a long way out of the massive jobs hole created in March 2020. Job growth has not been …

  • November 2021 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery from COVID-19 gained steam in November with the state adding 10,200 jobs. We have come a long way out of the massive jobs hole created in March 2020. Job growth has not …

  • October 2021 Data Analysis

    Wisconsin’s economic recovery is on an unsteady path, with jobs falling slightly in October. We have come a long way out of the jobs deficit we faced March 2020. But progress ground to halt after early …

  • September 2021 Data Analysis

    The economic recovery continues to sputter. Good news in May-June was interrupted by slower growth later in the summer. Federal investments in recovery continue to support Wisconsin’s families and children. But some of the programs …

  • Seven people standing on a rooftop, wearing safety gear.

    August 2021 Data Analysis

    In March 2020, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. States issued stay-at-home orders, the economy contracted dramatically, jobs plummeted, and unemployment spiked. After the collapse, the economy improved rapidly in …

  • Worker Experiences: State of Working Wisconsin 2021

    In the summer of 2020, we spoke to workers in various sectors and across the state to better understand what the economy looks like for them, as well as the impact of policies (or lack thereof) at …

  • Wages: State of Working Wisconsin 2021

    For three million working Wisconsinites, wages are the most important measure of the quality of their jobs. Despite the global pandemic and the restructuring of every aspect of work and life in response to it, …

  • Unions: State of Working Wisconsin 2021

    Since bricklayers in Milwaukee formed the state’s first trade union in 1847, organized labor has played a critical role in the economy, securing better wages and working conditions for workers throughout the state. In part …

  • June 2021 Data Analysis

    June 2021 Data Analysis In March 2020, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. States issued stay-at-home orders, the economy contracted dramatically, jobs plummeted, and unemployment spiked. After the collapse, the …

  • May 2021 Data Analysis

    Despite recent growth, Wisconsin faces a substantial jobs deficit – we’re down 137,500 jobs.

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    April 2021 Data Analysis

    Context  In March 2020, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many states issued stay-at-home orders and the economy contracted dramatically. Jobs fell away and unemployment spiked.  After the collapse more …

  • March 2021 Data Analysis

    Context In March 2020, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many states issued stay-at-home orders and the economy contracted dramatically. Jobs fell away and unemployment spiked. After the collapse more …

  • February 2021 Data Analysis

    In February, Wisconsin continued its economic growth as more residents were vaccinated and some areas loosened restrictions on indoor dining, gatherings, and more.

  • January 2021 Data Analysis

    There are number of sources of hope: falling COVID cases, increasing vaccination, and the federal American Rescue Plan. In the coming months, hopefully these positive signs will turn into economic opportunity for the workers in Wisconsin who need it most.

  • December Data Analysis

    Serious federal commitment to the workers who have been most harmed and to state and local governments is absolutely necessary to build the economy and support families who are in economic crisis.

  • Empty chairs and tables on a patio

    November Data Analysis

    This analysis covers November 2020 data. Context In March, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many states issued stay-at-home orders and the economy contracted dramatically. Jobs fell away and unemployment …

  • Empty chairs and tables on a patio

    October Data Analysis

    This analysis covers October 2020 data. Context In March, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many states issued stay-at-home orders and the economy contracted dramatically. Jobs fell away and unemployment …

  • Empty chairs and tables on a patio

    September Data Analysis

    This analysis covers September 2020 data. Context In March, the US took dramatic steps to stop the spread of COVID-19. Many states issued stay-at-home orders and the economy contracted dramatically. Jobs fell away and unemployment …

  • August Data Analysis: Sluggish Recovery Continues

    In August, the economic recovery continues at a slow pace.

  • Rabbi Bonnie Margulis stands and presents in front of a screen

    Addressing the Concerns of Workers in the Time of COVID-19

    We’re excited to present a guest post from Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Executive Director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice, about a coalition fighting to protect workers.

  • Empty chairs and tables on a patio

    July Analysis: Economic Recovery on a Slower Pace as COVID Spreads

    In July, there has been improvement, but at a very much slower pace. It is too early to predict that “normal” is on the horizon.

  • Safety Net Programs: COVID-19 Increases Demand Throughout Wisconsin

    Without the jobs and income they need to get by, Wisconsinites are increasingly turning to public supports such as BadgerCare (Medicaid) and FoodShare (“Food Stamps”).

  • June Analysis: Historic Losses followed by Strong Recovery

    This recovery is fragile and increases in infection suggest it may be temporary.

  • State of Working Wisconsin: Now Live

    In just a few months, COVID-19 has upended workers in Wisconsin, leaving some without jobs, others dangerously exposed at work, and sending still others to work in their homes.

  • We Cannot Rest: Information & Inspiration to Make Good Trouble

    2020 has proven the fallacy of a post-racial America. Our healthcare, economic, justice, educational, electoral, and democratic systems have all buckled under the weight of racism.