Michael and Marian Patricoski
Michael and Marian Patricoski
“We live a pretty simple life. We live well within our means. We’re not in any great discomfort. My concern is for patients going forward and for staff."
Steve Bellows
Steve Bellows
"Having that progressive tax is going to do nothing but hurt people more."
Pritzker again delaying unemployment benefits for independent contractors, gig workers
Pritzker again delaying unemployment benefits for independent contractors, gig workers
Illinois’ self-employed workers have been unable to receive assistance since the pandemic began. Now the state wants them to apply, be denied, and apply again for help.
Illinois’ economy shrinking by more than $183M per day as state approaches 1M new jobless claims
Illinois’ economy shrinking by more than $183M per day as state approaches 1M new jobless claims
COVID-19 and measures to contain the disease have resulted in unemployment that’s over 50% higher than the worst months of the Great Recession.
Mike Hawkins
Mike Hawkins
“I’m against [the progressive tax] completely. We already get taxed enough. We get our license plates raised, they want progressive taxes. We get taxed harder and harder every year."
Jim Ebel: Two Brothers Brewing
Jim Ebel: Two Brothers Brewing
"I don’t think Illinois really knows what a small business is. It’s not a business-friendly state."
Pritzker should look to other states to develop a responsible reopening plan
Pritzker should look to other states to develop a responsible reopening plan
Uncertainty is amplifying the difficulty of the COVID-19 crisis, and Illinoisans need information on what a safe reopening will look like.
COVID-19 increases Illinois farm losses to point that farms may be lost
COVID-19 increases Illinois farm losses to point that farms may be lost
Farmers have always proven resilient and ultimately will survive the virus and anything state government lobs at them.
Illinois payrolls see largest monthly drop since Great Recession
Illinois payrolls see largest monthly drop since Great Recession
State sheds 34,100 jobs during early stages of COVID-19 economic fallout.
Pritzker failing to help out-of-work Illinoisans as other states adapt
Pritzker failing to help out-of-work Illinoisans as other states adapt
Illinoisans shoulder among the highest tax burdens of any state, and that should come with robust services. But soaring debt and pension costs have left too little room for the things residents need most from government.
Jarrod Burgess: A. Burgess Locksmith
Jarrod Burgess: A. Burgess Locksmith
“Locksmithing tends to be one of those recession-proof businesses. Unfortunately, when others come across financial pain, we do better, but that all changes when all customers are forced to close."
Ashley Lyn
Ashley Lyn
“I need to pay bills. I’m just terrified, because I don’t know what’s going to happen next. “If my job does start back up, it will be five hours a week and I won’t be able to get unemployment. We need to pay our electric [bill]. We have to pay property taxes, water, Internet, phone...
Diana Reed: Harper G! Mercantile
Diana Reed: Harper G! Mercantile
“I see a lot of people supporting the bars and restaurants to help keep the small-town businesses alive, and I’m happy for them. But they forget about people like us. I’m not getting promotion from anyone but myself."
Katy Stryker Greenbauer: Stryker Strong
Katy Stryker Greenbauer: Stryker Strong
“In Illinois, I feel like I’m just swimming upstream constantly. Delaying property tax collections later on would absolutely help, especially because we don’t know where we’re going to be in October."