More than 1 million Illinoisans out of work since COVID-19
More than 1 million Illinoisans out of work since COVID-19
The state’s unemployment rate continues to soar as joblessness hits more than 1 in 5 workers.
3-in-4 Illinoisans support reopening small businesses immediately
3-in-4 Illinoisans support reopening small businesses immediately
Small businesses have struggled since their doors were forced to close March 21. A new poll shows 75% of Illinoisans want them to be allowed to reopen now.
4 problems with Pritzker’s reopening plan
4 problems with Pritzker’s reopening plan
‘Restore Illinois’ is short on details about when and how Illinoisans can get back to work.
Denetta Flamingo: Ottawa Nautilus Fit 24
Denetta Flamingo: Ottawa Nautilus Fit 24
“How are we supposed to pay our bills? Just keep selling our stuff, until there’s nothing left? But you can’t do that because you have people counting on you."
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.