CSI’s Inequality Discussion Groups bring together Cornell faculty and graduate students from around campus to discuss and improve their in-progress research.

Talk Title: State Preemption, Labor Power, Local Government and Inequality

Abstract: While some US cities and states have taken the lead in protecting labor rights, a counter-trend is found in state pre-emptions – state laws that prohibit cities from making any ordinances or laws related to certain policy areas. What drives these state-level actions that undermine progressive city leadership? What are the impacts on productivity? We find where state policy is captured by corporate interests, this undermines inclusive growth. Labor returns are higher in states with more unionization, but lower in states with Republican control and more corporate penetration of state legislatures.

Bio: Mildred E. Warner is a Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning and the Department of Global Development.  Her research focuses on local government finance and policy in economic development, environment, infrastructure and public health. Through her Local Government Lab, she works with local governments, policy makers and union leaders on local government reform.  She is a member of the Preemption Research Cohort sponsored by the New Venture Fund.