Are you good?

The Center for Economic And Policy Research recently released a report Working Families and Economic Insecurity in the States: The Role of Job Quality and Work Supports” which found that only about one in four jobs are “good jobs” in a typical state, that is taking into account pay, employer-sponsored health insurance and retirement benefits.

In Massachusetts,
• 28.2% of jobs are “good jobs,” with a roughly equal amount
• 28.5% meets none of the ”good job” criteria
• 28% of people in working families are economically insecure
• Relative to other states, MA ranks significantly lower in the role that public supports have in closing the hardship gap.

A final quotation from the report, “America’s social contract needs to be updated to ensure the economy works for all Americans. Key elements of such a reform include strengthening basic labor market standards and institutions, expanding workers’ access to post-secondary education and training, and reforming the system of public-private social benefits for workers.”

So, there are a few nuggets from the report. Certainly, the cost of living in MA is higher than other states…food and gas prices are skyrocketing, like elsewhere. What do you think? Does this report ring true to your own experience – for yourself, your friends, family, and the people who you encounter? Are you economically insecure? Do you fear it? Are you good?