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Discussion Paper
Smart places, getting smarter: facts about the young professional population in New England states
Each of the New England states is wrestling with how to retain a skilled workforce and sustain economic competitiveness while facing an aging population. In particular, each state fears that it is losing young, educated workers to other states and regions. This paper builds on earlier research about trends in the region?s young professionals: it looks at the supply of young professionals in each state to better understand trends in that population. The analysis reveals that, while there are some differences between the New England states, all are facing slow growth or no growth in its ...
Report
Reading the fine print: how details matter in tax and expenditure limitations
At least 30 states, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, operate under ?tax and expenditure limitations? (TELs): formula-based budgeting requirements that apply specific limits to expenditures, appropriations, or revenue collections by state or local government. More than a dozen states considered TELs in 2006. Legislation proposing a new TEL to further limit General Fund appropriations in Rhode Island was introduced; Maine citizens will vote on a more restrictive TEL this November. ; Several factors, including a desire for lower taxes and a belief that additional ...
Discussion Paper
Is New England experiencing a \"brain drain\"?: facts about demographic change and young professionals
Recent news articles and studies have generated concern among New England policy makers and others that the region?s supply of young, highly educated professionals is disappearing. The fear is that comparatively high housing and other costs may be driving away many within this highly mobile group. This paper explores trends in the stocks and flows of young professionals, defined as people 25 to 39 with at least a bachelor?s degree. The goal is to help policy makers better understand this important demographic story, giving them the facts about how various factors, including migration, are ...
Briefing
Can young professionals afford to buy a home in New England?
This policy brief explores whether young professional households can afford to own a home in New England. These are defined as households headed by a 25-39 year old with at least a BA and not currently enrolled in school. The analysis relies on two measures: (1) housing burden, defined as the percentage of household income spent on housing costs, and (2) income adequacy, defined as the ratio of household income to the income needed to purchase a home.
Journal Article
An overview of New England's economic performance in 2009
Like most of the nation, New England continued to suffer economically in 2009. Job losses, rising unemployment, declining personal income, and slumping real estate markets all contributed to one of the worst years for both the national and regional economies. However, while economic conditions were among the worst New England has seen, the region's overall economic performance was better than that of the nation as a whole.