Martin Shields

Comparing the Impacts of Retiree versus Working-Age Families on a Small Rural Region: An Application of the Wisconsin Economic Impact Modeling System

The Wisconsin Economic Impact Modeling System, a conjoined input-output/econometric model of Wisconsin counties, is used to simulate the economic and fiscal impact of two alternative residential development patterns. Under the first scenario, the impact of migrating retirees on a small tri-county region in northern Wisconsin is examined. Under the second scenario, the impact of the migration of younger families with children is examined. A comparison-contrast between the two scenarios demonstrates that the characteristics of the migrating household can have a significant impact on the nature of the impacts.

US regulation and new pesticide registrations and sales

This article empirically examines the impact of regulation on new pesticide crop use registrations and sales. Results suggest that regulatory costs negatively affect new pesticide crop use registrations, require firms to develop only high-revenue pesticides that generate sufficient revenue to meet the higher testing costs associated with regulation, and cause a decline in minor crop pesticide registrations. From a public policy perspective, results suggest that the availability of effective chemical pesticides for minor crops, such as fruits and vegetables, will likely decline over time.

The Growing Importance of the Environmental Horticulture Industry in the Agricultural Economy of the Northeastern United States

This study examines several aspects of the Environmental Horticulture Industry (EHI) in the northeastern United States. First, the EHI is compared to other agricultural sectors in the region. The sectors growth is found to far outpace growth in traditionally important crops and commodities. The study then takes a closer look at the EHI in Pennsylvania, utilizing survey data and the IMPLAN input-output model to estimate the overall economic contributions of the industry to the states economy. Results suggest that the EHI generates nearly

The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the Elderly on a Small Rural Region

3.3 billion in value-added and more than 107,000 state jobs through direct, indirect, and induced effects. Finally, survey data are used to identify and discuss important issues that land grant universities throughout the Northeast can address as they seek to strengthen the sector.

Price Differentials And Trends In State Income Levels: A Research Note

Recruiting retirees is a popular economic development strategy for rural communities. Previous research finds positive economic and fiscal impacts in communities, but it tends to assume that the elderly are homogeneous and to concentrate on planned retirement communities. At the same time, concerns are expressed that older and low-income retirees will be a burden for local government. Using a quasi-experimental design, the economic and fiscal impacts of various groups of retirees classified by age and income on a rural region in Wisconsin are simulated. All groups have positive economic benefits for the region. The impacts of the different groups of elderly vary by their income and the size of their households. Contrary to the expectations of some, all groups of retirees provide positive net fiscal impacts for local governments.