Illinois’ economic weakness results in nation’s highest black unemployment rate
Illinois’ economic weakness results in nation’s highest black unemployment rate
Only 51 percent of black adults reported having some form of work in Illinois.
Illinois has the nation’s highest black unemployment rate
Illinois has the nation’s highest black unemployment rate
New Bureau of Labor Statistics data show Illinois’ black residents have an unemployment rate of 12.7 percent, more than double the state’s overall rate.
Illinois loses 7,200 jobs in April, workforce shrinks by 17,800
Illinois loses 7,200 jobs in April, workforce shrinks by 17,800
Illinois still has 25,600 fewer jobs compared with the year 2000. Illinois is one of the only states in the country to have fewer jobs today than at the turn of the century.
Butterball to close Montgomery-based plant, costing 600 jobs
Butterball to close Montgomery-based plant, costing 600 jobs
The plant will close its doors by July 17 and offer some employees relocation opportunities.
Illinois’ youth problem: More millennials left Illinois than any other age demographic from 2011 through 2014
Illinois’ youth problem: More millennials left Illinois than any other age demographic from 2011 through 2014
By fixing cost drivers, decreasing the cost of doing business in Illinois, and easing the tax burden, Illinois can encourage jobs growth and stand a better chance at attracting and retaining younger people.
Illinois remains uncompetitive after 2011 workers’ compensation changes
Illinois remains uncompetitive after 2011 workers’ compensation changes
Illinois’ workers’ compensation system costs taxpayers $1 billion per year, and employers repeatedly cite hefty workers’ compensation costs as a driving factor in fleeing the state for friendlier business climates. High workers’ compensation costs most directly affect labor-intensive blue-collar employment sectors – which have struggled to regain their footing in Illinois since the Great Recession. Despite mounting evidence that workers’ compensation...
Political cowardice on workers’ compensation is destroying blue-collar jobs
Political cowardice on workers’ compensation is destroying blue-collar jobs
Illinois is home to the highest workers’ compensation costs in the region, and the weakest manufacturing recovery. New research details pain points and ways to fix the system while protecting worker safety.
Nearly half of unemployed people in Illinois have given up on finding work
Nearly half of unemployed people in Illinois have given up on finding work
A new survey from Harris Poll for Express Employment Professionals shows that nearly half of unemployed people in Illinois have given up looking for work.
17% of Illinois homes are seriously underwater
17% of Illinois homes are seriously underwater
Illinois’ sky-high property tax rates and lackluster economic growth have aggravated the state’s housing crisis.
U-Haul prices reveal high demand to get out of Illinois
U-Haul prices reveal high demand to get out of Illinois
Illinois had a record loss of 114,000 residents to other states in 2016.
Indiana has added five times more union members than Illinois since passing Right to Work
Indiana has added five times more union members than Illinois since passing Right to Work
Indiana’s sharp rise in union members is due to its robust economic growth and increase in manufacturing jobs, while Illinois’ economy continues to lose factories and sees little growth in union members.
Illinois trails surrounding states in post-recession employment growth
Illinois trails surrounding states in post-recession employment growth
Illinois still has 144,000 fewer people working compared with the state’s pre-recession employment level, while surrounding states have all experienced employment growth.
Illinois Senate passes legislation to slash start-up costs
Illinois Senate passes legislation to slash start-up costs
Illinois currently has the highest start-up fees in the country, further burdening the already-unfriendly business climate in the state.
What if Illinois grew like Indiana?
What if Illinois grew like Indiana?
Despite Illinois’ built-in economic advantages, personal income in Indiana is growing much faster than personal income in Illinois.