Richard Cebula, James E. Payne, Donnie Horner and Robert Boylan
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of labor market freedom on state-level cost of living differentials in the USA using cross-sectional data for 2016 after…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of labor market freedom on state-level cost of living differentials in the USA using cross-sectional data for 2016 after allowing for the impacts of economic and quality of life factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses two-stage least squares estimation controlling for factors contributing to cost of living differences across states.
Findings
The results reveal that an increase in labor market freedom reduces the overall cost of living.
Research limitations/implications
The study can be extended using panel data and alternative measures of labor market freedom.
Practical implications
In general, the finding that less intrusive government and greater labor freedom are associated with a reduced cost of living should not be surprising. This is because less government intrusion and greater labor freedom both inherently allow markets to be more efficient in the rationalization of and interplay with forces of supply and demand.
Social implications
The findings of this and future related studies could prove very useful to policy makers and entrepreneurs, as well as small business owners and public corporations of all sizes – particularly those considering either location in, relocation to, or expansion into other markets within the USA. Furthermore, the potential benefits of the National Right-to-Work Law currently under consideration in Congress could add cost of living reductions to the debate.
Originality/value
The authors extend the literature on cost of living differentials by investigating whether higher amounts of state-level labor market freedom act to reduce the states’ cost of living using the most recent annual data available (2016). That labor freedom has a systemic efficiency impact on the state-level cost of living is a significant finding. In our opinion, it is likely that labor market freedom is increasing the efficiency of labor market transactions in the production and distribution of goods and services, and acts to reduce the cost of living in states. In addition, unlike previous related studies, the authors investigate the impact of not only overall labor market freedom on the state-level cost of living, but also how the three sub-indices of labor market freedom, as identified and measured by Stansel et al. (2014, 2015), impact the cost of living state by state.
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Colleen M. Wilson, Donald H. “Donnie” Horner, Tammy Ryan, Rachel Green and Adele Hanlon
A school of education participated in crowdfunding events to empower the next generation of teachers and promote neighborhood partnerships.School of education faculty, staff and…
Abstract
A school of education participated in crowdfunding events to empower the next generation of teachers and promote neighborhood partnerships.
School of education faculty, staff and pre-service teachers alongside neighborhood public elementary schools and local community agencies created and presented unique partnership models designed to increase community awareness and engagement in education. Crowdfunding projects were presented in two consecutive years at an annual city-wide innovative crowdfunding event. Discussion of projects development, specific activities and outcomes from this entrepreneurial event are shared.
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Barbara Cozza and Patrick Blessinger
The chapters in this volume focus on how university partnerships for pre-service and teacher development apply novel ideas to improve teacher quality in global communities. The…
Abstract
The chapters in this volume focus on how university partnerships for pre-service and teacher development apply novel ideas to improve teacher quality in global communities. The purpose of these programs is to improve education systems for all participants. Case studies in this volume present a broad and in-depth review of partnerships that apply novel ideas to transform organizations. This chapter provides an overview to this volume by discussing important elements of teacher quality by defining teacher quality characteristics, shared collaboration, and providing ideas for professional development agendas.