EXPERTS ADVISORY

ANN ARBOR—With President Obama scheduled to visit Ann Arbor this week to talk about plans for a minimum wage increase, University of Michigan faculty are available for interviews.

Wallace Hopp, senior associate dean for faculty and research, and a professor of technology and operations at the Ross School of Business, can speak about the impact to businesses and consumers when wages rise. His research focuses on the design, control and management of operations systems. Contact: (734) 763-6027 or [email protected]

Martha Bailey, associate professor of economics, can speak about income inequality, which is now at its highest level in about a century. Bailey, co-editor of “Legacies of the War on Poverty,” believes that “renewing our commitment to the war on poverty will open opportunities for more Americans and strengthen our society and economy.” Contact: (734) 647-6874 or [email protected]

Luke Shaefer, assistant professor of social work, can discuss the measurement of poverty and alternative metrics for measuring hardship. He has published articles on rising extreme poverty in the U.S., effects of major anti-poverty programs and low-wage work. Contact: (734) 936-5065 or [email protected]

Michael Traugott, professor of communication studies and political science, is a nationally recognized expert in political communication and polls. He can discuss President Obama’s proposal to raise the minimum wage. Contact: (734) 763-4702 or [email protected]

Donald Grimes, economist at the Institute for Research on Labor, Employment and the Economy, specializes in economic forecasting and regional economic development. He conducts annual Michigan state and county economic forecasts and has studied occupational wages in the Great Lakes states and the relationship between education and high-paying jobs. Contact: (941) 225-1304 or [email protected]