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.
Continue readingMeasuring Prosperity: Personal and Household Income
Measures of household and personal income gauge the financial support Tennessee residents have from wages and some – but not all – other sources.
Continue readingWhat Will the Coronavirus Recession Mean for Tennessee’s Budget?
The pandemic has serious health and economic effects, yet Tennessee still has to balance its budget. These are the challenges policymakers face and the tools they have right now.
Continue readingSummary of the FY 2021 Preliminary Budget
With pandemic here and recession near, lawmakers passed a preliminary FY 2021 budget that trims $854 million from Gov. Lee’s first draft.
Continue readingState Budget Surpluses, Deficits, and Rainy Day Funds
We explain why surpluses and deficits occur, the role of revenue projections and rainy day funds, and the trade-offs Tennessee policymakers must weigh when crafting the budget.
Continue readingA Deep Dive into Health Insurance Coverage in Tennessee
For better or worse, robust access to the U.S. health care system is largely predicated on having health insurance.
Continue readingHow TennCare’s Block Grant Proposal Compares to New Federal Guidance
Even if Tennessee’s plan has a separate path to approval, it’s likely to undergo significant changes.
Continue reading2018 Income, Poverty, Education, and Insurance Coverage in Tennessee’s 95 Counties
Census data for Tennessee’s 95 counties continue to show large differences in household income, poverty, education level, and health insurance coverage.
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