There are now 1.06 million more Americans working than when the recession began. In comparison, there are 232,000 fewer Illinoisans working over the same time period, the second-largest employment gap in the U.S.
Gov. Pat Quinn doled out $24 million in taxpayer money during his last days in office.
Five reforms effective Jan. 1, 2015 will improve government transparency and protect individual rights:
The stunning data underscore an important point as power shifts to Governor-elect Bruce Rauner: Illinois cannot raise taxes on a population that is shrinking due to massive numbers of people leaving.
The unpredictable and expensive nature of defined-benefit pension plans is why companies like Barnes & Noble Inc. and Allegheny Technologies recently chose to abandon traditional pension plans in favor of 401(k)-style plans.