Media Center

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EOI's staff and Board of Directors represent a wide range of disciplines, expertise, and viewpoints. We are ready to respond to your requests for information and commentary. Contact Aaron Keating, Communications Director, to obtain background information, referrals to EOI staff or board members, and/or a press packet.

Recent Commentary | More

Take a Stand: Minimum wage is too low

04.27.2008 | Lawrence Journal-World and News | The April 1 Journal-World carried a column by Kansas University business professor Mark Hirschey called “Inconvenient truth about minimum wage.” Since it was April Fools’ Day and the article gave many anecdotes but few “facts,” we’re not certain it was altogether serious. In case it was, we’re responding with some facts of our own. | Read

In Our View: More Learning

04.16.2008 | Vancouver Columbian | Justifiable demands for improved quality of public education will continue to reverberate fruitlessly until a stark confession is made: Students in Washington state and across America are not spending enough hours and enough days in classrooms. | Read

Recent Columns | More

On key labor anniversary, many old conflicts remain

04.30.2008 | Everett Herald | We've made a lot of progress since 1886, but history has a funny way of cycling back on us. That first Labor Day occurred at a time of economic and political turmoil. Markets were increasingly globalized. Mass immigration seemed to threaten American identity. Workplace standards -- or lack thereof -- left many working families struggling. Terrorists threw bombs and the government cracked down on civil liberties in the name of greater security. In other words, it was a time in many ways like our own. | Read

Government can, should temper pain of recession

04.16.2008 | Everett Herald | It seems like the economic news keeps getting worse. Fuel prices still climbing, food prices soaring, foreclosures and layoffs. The only silver lining is that we're doing better in Washington than the rest of the country. Now a report has come out confirming what many of us suspected -- the rich are getting richer, while most of us are just getting by. | Read

Recent News | More

Retirement Plans Shrink as Economy Falters

05.05.2008 | National Public Radio Morning Edition | More and more older workers are opting to stay on the job rather than retire. For some, it's a matter of choice. For others, the uncertain housing market and shrinking returns on retirement funds make retiring a difficult prospect. | Read | Listen

Child care workers in U.S. averaged $18,820 in 2006

05.01.2008 | Seattle Post-Intelligencer | Child care workers typically earn less than locker-room attendants and service-station workers, pulling in $18,820 a year in 2006, according to a report released Thursday. In Washington, child care workers fared a little better, as their average salary was $19,710 in 2006, according to data released by the American Federation of Teachers. | Read