What’s dragging down Illinois’ economy?
What’s dragging down Illinois’ economy?
Illinois would have seen above-average growth if the state’s workforce had simply grown on par with the rest of the U.S. economy. Instead, poor policy choices have made the state an economic laggard. Illinois’ slow expansion is likely a product of investment-killing tax hikes.
By Orphe Divounguy
Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania
Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania
Census data released Dec. 20 show the Land of Lincoln is no longer the fifth-largest state in the U.S.
By Austin Berg
Workers’ comp costs hit Illinois’ blue-collar industries
Workers’ comp costs hit Illinois’ blue-collar industries
Exorbitant workers’ comp costs punish small businesses and send employers dashing to Illinois’ neighboring states.
By Vincent Caruso
Madigan’s alderman moves to squash Airbnb near Midway Airport
Madigan’s alderman moves to squash Airbnb near Midway Airport
Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn is attempting to squeeze out home-sharing in the 13th Ward.
By Vincent Caruso
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
Illinois’ exodus of people and money is the state’s most pressing policy problem. Until lawmakers get serious about addressing its causes, there’s little reason to think the trend will change.
By Austin Berg
Chicago loses Mars Wrigley US candy headquarters bid to New Jersey, takes 200 jobs with it
Chicago loses Mars Wrigley US candy headquarters bid to New Jersey, takes 200 jobs with it
A year after announcing the Mars Wrigley Confectionery project, the candy giant will scrap its plans to expand its Chicago presence and instead encamp in Newark, New Jersey.
By Vincent Caruso
How one Illinois law jacks up the cost of government while harming construction sector employment
How one Illinois law jacks up the cost of government while harming construction sector employment
Illinois state lawmakers could stimulate employment and lower costs for overburdened taxpayers by repealing the state’s outdated prevailing wage law.
By Orphe Divounguy
Student loan troubles? Illinois officials can suspend your professional license
Student loan troubles? Illinois officials can suspend your professional license
Almost a quarter of Illinois workers need licenses to work in their professions, and workers who default on student loans can face the suspension of those licenses.
By Amy Korte
How licensing puts the hurt on lower-income Illinoisans, entrepreneurs
How licensing puts the hurt on lower-income Illinoisans, entrepreneurs
In Illinois, a cosmetologist must complete 350 days of educational training, but an EMT can be licensed after just 37.
By Amy Korte
Canadian manufacturer to get $1.1M state tax break deal, local property tax breaks
Canadian manufacturer to get $1.1M state tax break deal, local property tax breaks
The Brandt Group of Companies inked a deal through Illinois’ state tax credit program and will receive property tax abatements from multiple local governments.
By Brendan Bakala
Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition
Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition
With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. But that hasn’t stopped the Land of Lincoln from serving a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.
By Vincent Caruso
Tony Sambo
Tony Sambo
“I can’t get out. I keep paying the property taxes and the workman’s compensation. They’re out of control. I’m stuck. I can’t get out. “I have commercial real estate people calling me all the time and they’re like, ‘We’ve got this building in Illinois.’ And I say, ‘No, I’m trying to get to Indiana.’ And...