Historic unemployment payouts related to the COVID-19 shutdowns left Illinois’ fund billions in the hole. State leaders did nothing to fix it, meaning there could be reduced benefits for the unemployed or higher taxes on employers trying to recover.
Illinois saw six of 11 major industries shrink payrolls in May as the nation continued to regain jobs lost during the COVID-19 recession.
Eight of 13 Illinois-based metro areas lost jobs in April.
Illinois was among the nation’s worst for delays in helping gig workers and the self-employed receive pandemic assistance unemployment payments, a federal audit found. Rampant fraud and inadequate reporting was also discovered nationwide.
A Chicago alderman wants to cap ride-share prices during peak demand. But price controls could leave more riders stranded if extra drivers are no longer attracted by extra cash.
The hospitality industry’s heavy losses during COVID-19 are still being felt, with one McDonald’s offering iPhones to lure recruits. Half the states trimmed unemployment to get workers back, but Pritzker’s message to struggling businesses is they should pay $1.5 billion in new taxes.
Census estimates predict nearly all Illinois municipalities shed population last year, with a greater share of large communities being affected.
Job losses peaked in April 2020 amid COVID-19 and state-mandated shutdowns. In the year-long recovery since, Illinois’ has been among the nation’s slowest.
While total payrolls were up 300, private sector jobs took a beating in April and lost 4,000 positions. Illinois’ labor market completely stalled as the national economic recovery slowed.
Each of Illinois’ metropolitan areas got smaller from July 2019-July 2020, census estimates showed.
Census estimates tallied population decline in 98 of Illinois’ 102 counties. Only Los Angeles County lost more people than Cook County last year.
Data reveals 5.7% of Illinois homeowners are at least 90 days behind on their payments.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security had a backlog of 156K calls in February. Now, over a year into the pandemic, its offices remain closed to the public and 43K Illinoisans are still awaiting a call from IDES.
States that have re-opened schools have also increased labor force participation of mothers, evidence suggests.