State jobless rate hit 4.2% last month; Arkansas’ figure 9th-lowest in U.S.

Arkansas’ unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in December, the second-best improvement in the nation. Arkansas now has the ninth-lowest unemployment rate in the nation. Because Arkansas’ economy never shut down during the pandemic, the state did not experience as much of a downtown as other states have. Read the full article on the Northwest Arkansas […]

How President Biden’s new relief plan could help Arkansas’s economy

Dr. Michael Pakko was interviewed about how President Biden’s 2 trillion dollar relief plan and new stimulus checks could help Arkansas’s economy.

What impact could a $15 minimum wage have on Arkansas workers?

The Biden Administration is looking at proposing a $15 federal minimum wage increase. Arkansas’ minimum wage is currently $11 an hour, much higher than the current federal minimum of $7.25. Michael Pakko said raising the federal minimum wage to 15 dollars would be a big change for Arkansas. The state’s median wage is $15.84, meaning […]

Factory sector starts off year strong in state

Arkansas’ manufacturing sector had a strong start in 2021, with four major manufacturing operations choosing to stay in Arkansas instead of moving elsewhere. The decision means that the state will see 700 new manufacturing jobs over the coming years. Read the full story on the Arkansas Democrat Gazette website here.

Tagged michael pakkomanufacturingexpansioneconomic developmentarkansaseconomic recoverycovid recovery