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Has the economy reached ‘full employment?’ And what does that mean for jobs?

390631 01: Todd Amrhein, a pharmaceutical salesman, uses his car as an office June 15, 2001 in Miami, FL. Amrhein uses a desk customized for car use as well as a computer and cellular phone. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Todd Amrhein, a pharmaceutical salesman, uses his car as an office June 15, 2001 in Miami, FL.
(
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
)
Listen 17:57
Has the economy reached ‘full employment?’ And what does that mean for jobs?

The economy has been on the up and up, and some economists think that we’ve reached “full employment,” meaning that everyone who wants a job has one.

Economists who believe the economy is doing well fear that a fiscal stimulus, such as the on being pushed by the GOP tax bill, could pose a danger. Other economists don’t believe that we’ve hit “full employment” yet and that the economy still has room to grow.

Are we at “full employment?” Whether you’re an employer or in the labor market, is this translating into your life? What does that mean for wages?

Guests:

Michael Madowitz, an economist at the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank

Chris Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics; his focus includes economic forecasting, employment and labor markets and economic policy