Wages, jobs, and inflation
Working Kentuckians face a stalled job market with no net job growth over two years, flat wages, and higher prices from inflation, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. Primary election discussion has also highlighted gas prices, near-record inflation, and kitchen-table economic concerns.
What should be Kentucky’s priority response to flat wages, weak job growth, and inflation?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Kentucky Center for Economic Policy — https://kypolicy.org
This Labor Day, Kentucky Workers Face Stalled Job Market, Flat Wages and Higher Prices. Working Kentuckians find themselves in an increasingly difficult labor market in 2026, with no net job growth in the state over the last two years, rising costs due to inflation and wages that aren’t keeping up with those costs.
Kentucky Tonight speakers — https://www.pbs.org/video/previewing-the-2026-primary-election-ktnmoc
they're talking about how high gas prices are. They're talking about the near record inflation that we are seeing.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Raise the minimum wage substantially and expand worker protections
- Boost wages through targeted state policies and public investment
- Monitor conditions and use a mix of modest supports and growth policies
- Focus on cutting regulations and taxes to spur private job growth
- Minimize government intervention and let markets set wages and prices