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Fact check: Illinois’ economic recovery under Pritzker among worst in nation

By Dylan Sharkey
08/02/2022
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s newest campaign ad credits him with fixing state finances and boasts of Illinois’ job growth. Both are among the worst in the nation.

TAGS: Caterpillar, Citadel, economic growth, economic recovery, economy, JB Pritzker

Caterpillar HQ leaving for Texas, decade after CEO warned Illinois

By Dylan Sharkey
06/15/2022
One of the state’s biggest employers is relocating their headquarters to Irving, Texas. A decade ago Caterpillar’s CEO warned state leaders of business losses unless they balanced the budget, controlled workers’ comp costs and cut taxes. He was ignored.

TAGS: Caterpillar, jobs, outmigration, taxes

Forgotten Illinois: Aurora

12/08/2017
Two sides, one city.

TAGS: Aurora, Caterpillar, East Aurora High School, forgotten illinois, manufacturing, Richard Irvin, small business, West Aurora High School

Caterpillar to move corporate headquarters to Deerfield

By Austin Berg
04/20/2017
The industry giant’s move comes amid continued disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.

TAGS: Caterpillar, Deerfield, Doug Oberhelman, manufacturing, Peoria, property taxes, workers compensation

After mass layoffs, a chilling look back at CAT’s plea for reforms

By Austin Berg
04/12/2017
In February 2012, Caterpillar’s then-CEO Doug Oberhelman outlined needed reforms to save Illinois manufacturing jobs. State lawmakers have failed to act, and the Land of Lincoln is the only state in the region to lose manufacturing jobs since.

TAGS: Aurora, Caterpillar, manufacturing, workers compensation

Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs

By Hilary Gowins
03/31/2017
The company’s announcement affects 800 hourly employees, though 1,200 workers will remain in Aurora. In January, Caterpillar announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Chicago and out of its longtime hub in Peoria.

TAGS: Caterpillar, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

CAT announces it will move corporate headquarters out of Peoria

By Austin Berg
01/31/2017
With Peoria and downstate reeling, the Caterpillar move comes at a time of persistent disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.

TAGS: Caterpillar, Chicago, jobs, manufacturing, Peoria, workers compensation

Caterpillar considers moving 800 production jobs out of Aurora

By Brendan Bakala
01/06/2017
Peoria-based heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has announced a possible move of up to 800 manufacturing jobs out of Aurora.

TAGS: Caterpillar, jobs, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

Caterpillar announces more layoffs

By Brendan Bakala
12/14/2016
CAT announces more layoffs due to anticipated losses in 2017.

TAGS: Caterpillar, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

Illinois employers announce 1,044 layoffs in August

By Brendan Bakala
09/08/2016
August records summer-high job losses, including 495 in manufacturing.

TAGS: Caterpillar, jobs, unemployment, WARN

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Center for Poverty Solutions / Research Report

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education


Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

View Report

Report Archive

Budget + Tax / Your Story

Allan Luzbetak

Labor / Policy Point

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

By Paul Kersey
06/19/2014
Illinois Policy In the News

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students

By Ted Dabrowski
05/02/2016

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