Jobs + Growth

4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois

4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently OK’d four new laws that would expand the ability for professionals to practice in Illinois. While they are advancements, Illinois’ onerous occupational licensing system needs comprehensive reform.

By Joe Tabor

Chicago unemployment is highest in nation

Chicago unemployment is highest in nation

Nearly 100,000 Chicago-area residents are out of work, and at 6.2% the Chicago metro area has the highest unemployment rate of the nation’s 50 largest metro areas. Illinois as a whole isn’t doing much better, with a 6.1% unemployment rate.

By Bryce Hill

The Policy Shop: The shrinking city

The Policy Shop: The shrinking city

This episode of The Policy Shop is by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research. When Democrats come to Chicago Aug. 19-22, they will find plenty of elbow room: people are leaving, and not because of the potential for protests to turn ugly near the United Center. Chicago has lost nearly 130,000 residents since 2014, marking...

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

At the 1920 Census, Chicago’s population was 2.7 million, up over 516,000 in a decade. More than 100 years later, Chicago’s population is 2.66 million, a loss of 128,034 from nine straight years of decline.

By Bryce Hill

New law gives more Illinoisans IDs upon release from jail

New law gives more Illinoisans IDs upon release from jail

Illinoisans released from a variety of correctional facilities have one less barrier to being a productive member of society. A new law grants them a state identification card when they are released from jails and federal facilities, an important part of getting work and housing.

By Dylan Sharkey