“The ability to readily access workforce candidates has never been more critical. It is equally important for policymakers to understand how program investments are delivering for workers and critical industries.” -Uni. of IL Professor Robert Bruno MORE: illinoisupdate.com/2025/08/20/stu…

“The surge in women and people of color entering the trades through pre-apprenticeships and continuing on to become apprentices makes it clear that these investments have been a win-win-win for workers, in-demand industries, and communities.” –ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV

Mark your calendars! Join us Wednesday, October 15 in Springfield for a FREE seminar + fundraising reception! 👉 Register now: illinoisepi.org/events

FACT: Illinois’ union apprenticeships offer tuition-free training, deliver high wages for all workers, and provide contractors with the skilled labor that they demand. LEARN MORE: illinoisupdate.com/2025/08/20/stu…

Illinois can do more to expand pre-apprenticeship programs, which have proven to develop skilled labor supply pools for in-demand industries and deliver debt-free pathways into good-paying careers. LEARN MORE: illinoisupdate.com/2025/08/20/stu…

New ILEPI research on pre-apprenticeship programs was highlighted in a new opinion piece. Read it now! pantagraph.com/opinion/column…

STATE OF THE UNIONS: New study finds that states strengthening collective bargaining rights are adding union members and boosting wages, while “right-to-work” states are losing ground. illinoisupdate.com/2025/09/08/new…

A new ILEPI and Project for Middle Class Renewal UIUC Labor Education Program study shows a sharp divide: declining union membership in “right-to-work” states vs. growth and higher wages in pro-union states. Read more on The Guardian! theguardian.com/us-news/2025/s…

NEW COLUMN: With retirements shrinking the construction workforce, Illinois’ pre-apprenticeship programs are opening doors, creating lifelong careers that pay $49 an hour, and ensuring businesses have access to skilled labor. dailyherald.com/20250906/busin…

Union membership is growing in states that protect collective bargaining rights, like Illinois. LEARN MORE: illinoisupdate.com/2025/09/08/new…

Essential workers have the highest unionization rates in Illinois. LEARN MORE: illinoisupdate.com/2025/09/08/new…

UPCOMING ILEPI EVENTS: Join us on Wednesday, October 15 in Springfield for a FREE morning seminar and an evening fundraising reception! Register now: illinoisepi.org/events/

“The economy does better, workers do better, and taxpayers do better when states and the federal government allows and, in fact, encourages workers to collectively bargain.” —ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV READ MORE: theguardian.com/us-news/2025/s…

FACT: Union membership rates in Illinois exceed the national average across the board, including by age, gender, race, education, occupation, industry, and veteran status.

“U.S. states that protect unions’ collective bargaining rights have experienced an increase in new union members, while states with anti-union ‘right-to-work’ laws are responsible for declines in union members.” READ MORE: theguardian.com/us-news/2025/s…

Don’t miss the newest edition of our newsletter! illinoisupdate.com/2025/09/22/ill…

Just 3 weeks away! Join us in Springfield on Oct. 15 (6–8 PM) for our fundraising reception at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Hotel with Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch! Purchase tickets, sponsorships, or ads at illinoisepi.org/events

Happy Veterans Day! Thank you for your service!

ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV presented at EARNCon in New Orleans on the panel “Community and Worker Power in Infrastructure and Beyond,” where he discussed ILEPI's research on how pre-apprenticeship programs are working as intended in Illinois and transforming lives.

Happy Thanksgiving!