This Chattanooga Times Free Press article describes the different ways that President Trump’s proposed tariffs will harm local businesses and consumers. The article includes comments from CRER director and chief economist Howard Wall about how costs will be higher for both consumers and producers. “Tariffs are almost entirely passed on to the American purchasers, whether…
2/20/25: Would Raising Tennessee’s Minimum Wage Lead to Job Loss? Economist Weighs In
CRER director and chief economist Howard Wall explained his views during a News Channel 9 story on a proposal to raise the minimum wage in Tennessee. “If it’s costless to just raise the minimum wage, then why don’t you make it $100? Why don’t you just make everyone a millionaire? Right? If it’s a question…
2/19/2025: Manufacturing Strength Seen as Boon for Chattanooga-Area Economy
CRER director and chief economist Howard Wall took part in the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast. He and Chattanooga city mayor Tim Kelly addressed questions about the state of the local economy: Although there’s been a manufacturing renaissance nationwide, Wall said it’s been particularly strong in Chattanooga, constituting about 20% of…
2/12/2025: Governor Lee Proposes $1B Grant to Tackle Tennessee’s $30B Road Project Backlog
The Governor’s state of the state address included funds for TDOT because revenue from gas taxes and other sources are falling short of the state’s needs. Channel 9 had a story on this might affect the supposed backlog of projects and whether revenue problems like this are a permanent feature. CRER director Howard Wall provided…
2/7/2025: Bird Flu Drives Egg Prices Up, Prompting Consumers to Seek Alternatives
NewsChannel 9 did a story about the rise in egg prices due to the spread of the avian flu: Howard Wall is UTC’s Director of the Center for Regional Economic Research. He says if you love eggs…”I’d find some temporary substitutes for your eggs, because I think this is going to be, they’re going to…