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.
By Michael Lucci
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.
By Michael Lucci
While politicians posture, Illinois industry is getting crushed
While politicians posture, Illinois industry is getting crushed
The average cost of workers’ comp for steel workers among neighboring states is under $8 per $100 of payroll compared to nearly $12 in Illinois.
By Austin Berg
Illinois businesses announce more than 1,200 mass layoffs in April
Illinois businesses announce more than 1,200 mass layoffs in April
Cook and Lake counties had the greatest number of mass layoffs in April 2017, with most of the jobs lost coming from the service and hospitality sectors.
By Brendan Bakala
Expanding aldermanic power spells disaster for Chicago businesses
Expanding aldermanic power spells disaster for Chicago businesses
Since Mayor Rahm Emanuel took office in 2011, aldermen have been on the defensive regarding their power. The latest attempt to retain some of that power is taking place along a stretch of 71st Street in the 5th Ward.
By Chris Lentino
Kentucky to get nearly $3B in new business investments since passing economic reforms
Kentucky to get nearly $3B in new business investments since passing economic reforms
Companies have announced billions in new business investment in Kentucky a few months after the state passed key economic reforms. Illinois lawmakers should take note.
Capital One received more than $20 million in tax breaks from Illinois in 2015
Capital One received more than $20 million in tax breaks from Illinois in 2015
The state agreed to the tax credits in exchange for Capital One hiring 210 new employees and retaining 900.
By Brendan Bakala
EDGE tax credit program expires, but extension passes Illinois House
EDGE tax credit program expires, but extension passes Illinois House
Illinois’ EDGE tax credit program expired April 30; however, proponents of EDGE have passed a one-month extension in the Illinois House of Representatives.
By Brendan Bakala
BLS jobs report shows weak economy in Illinois, recovery in neighboring states
BLS jobs report shows weak economy in Illinois, recovery in neighboring states
Illinois saw a 0.23 percent increase in jobs in the first quarter of 2017, the third-worst growth rate in the region.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops
Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops
Illinois lost jobs across several industries including construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services. The only employment category to see significant growth was leisure and hospitality.
By Michael Lucci
Construction season means high costs for Illinois taxpayers
Construction season means high costs for Illinois taxpayers
Insurance premiums cost 20 percent of payroll for concrete construction workers in Illinois.
By Michael Lucci
What Illinoisans should know about their taxes
What Illinoisans should know about their taxes
The average income of taxpayers who leave Illinois is $20,000 more than the taxpayers who arrive here.
By Austin Berg
Caterpillar to move corporate headquarters to Deerfield
Caterpillar to move corporate headquarters to Deerfield
The industry giant’s move comes amid continued disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.
By Austin Berg
Lawmaker sponsors Airline Passenger Protection Act in wake of United Airlines incident
Lawmaker sponsors Airline Passenger Protection Act in wake of United Airlines incident
The legislation would prohibit airlines from “involuntarily removing” seated passengers, and the state from doing business with airlines that do.
By Eric Kohn