Study on Wage and Benefit Standards in Economic Development Subsidies to Be Released Thursday in Washington, D.C.

11/11/2003

From: Greg LeRoy 202-626-3780 x 27 or Anna Purinton 202-626-3780 x 37; both of Good Jobs First

News Advisory:

A new study by Good Jobs First examining the rapidly rising number of economic development subsidy programs with wage and health benefit standards will be released this Thursday at 2 at a press conference in Washington, D.C. The press conference is being held in association with the Self-Sufficiency Summit organized by Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW).

The study finds that at least 89 jurisdictions- 43 states, 41 cities, and 5 counties - now have wage and/or healthcare benefit requirements in one or more subsidy programs. Interviews with 119 development officials who administer these programs reveal that the standards do not harm regions' business climates or development efforts.

Speaking at the press conference will be Greg LeRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, and Anna Purinton, the study's primary author.

Date:

Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003

Time:

2 p.m.

Place:

Four Points Sheraton, Room Franklin C, 12th and K Sts., NW, Washington, D.C.

Advance copies of the study are available to members of the press by contacting Anna Purinton at 202-626-3780 x 37.

Good Jobs First is a non-profit, non-partisan research center promoting best practices in economic development; it is based in Washington, D.C.