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Brookings Data Now: $1.4 Million Per Job in Cash for Clunkers, and More

Fred Dews
Fred Dews Managing Editor, New Digital Products - Office of Communications

October 30, 2013

  • 1 min read

In this edition of Brookings Data Now: “Cash for Clunkers” = high cost per job; Iran’s nuclear program; Kenya’s counties; Memphis freight; the plight of recent college grads.

$2.85 billion

Dollars spent on the “Cash for Clunkers” Program

It was intended to be an economic stimulation and job-creation program, launched in 2009 at the height of the recession, but according to new Brookings research, the cost per job created under the program “was much higher than alternative fiscal stimulus policies.”
12

Number of Iranian nuclear centrifuge cascades, out of 16, that are now idle

A cascade is a connected series of uranium-enrichment centrifuges needed to refine the material. Iran thus has the capability to spin up more production.
47

Number of counties in Kenya

Kenya’s 2010 constitution devolves powers and responsibilities for service delivery to its counties. Learn more about how the national government allocates resources to these jurisdictions.

4 million

Tons of freight moved by Memphis’ airport

Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the world’s largest freight hubs. It’s airport, port, highways and rail lines contributed to a faster growing economy than the national economy.

12.9%

 

 

Unemployment rate of 20-24 year olds

As of September, compared to 7.2 percent of the entire workforce. Students graduating college now face increased debt and lower earnings.