Where Illinois small businesses can get government financial help

By Ben Szalinski

04/08/2020

The federal government authorized a financial aid program for small businesses that have closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but state and local government also offer assistance.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, small business

COVID-19 potentially impacting one-fourth of Illinois workers

By Bryce Hill

04/07/2020

Business sectors directly affected by the coronavirus and mitigation employ 1.5 million Illinoisans. The longer the shutdown, the more industries and jobs face cuts.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, coronavirus, COVID-19, economic growth, labor force participation rate

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

By Joe Tabor

04/07/2020

In the case of an epidemic like COVID-19, Illinois governors are given a wide range of emergency powers for a limited period of time.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order, JB Pritzker

What you need to know about coronavirus in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein, Ben Szalinski

04/07/2020

This page will be updated daily to reflect developments related to the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDPH: Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois, JB Pritzker

Nearly 1.5M Illinois workers risk layoffs or reduced hours from COVID-19 economic fallout

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

04/03/2020

A quarter of Illinois’ workers are staring down the economic impacts of a global pandemic.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, GDP: gross domestic product, jobs, labor force participation rate, unemployment

Silence: Chicago in the age of COVID

By illinoispolicy

04/03/2020

Our team wanted to give you a look at the harsh reality of life in downtown Chicago during the COVID-19 crisis.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19

To fight COVID-19 economic harm, Illinois must delay or cancel taxes and fees where possible

By Adam Schuster

04/02/2020

Struggling businesses, individuals and families need relief while the economy is shut down. Despite Illinois’ financial woes, leaders can help the recovery by lifting government-imposed financial burdens.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order, fees, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, property taxes

Stunning data show Illinois economy stalled out before COVID-19 pandemic

By Austin Berg

04/02/2020

The last thing Illinois needs is more bad news for the sake of it. But ignoring this reality threatens to make this crisis worse.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, economy, unemployment

State advises stores to temporarily ban reusable bags, but Chicago’s single-use bag tax remains

By Ben Szalinski

04/01/2020

Illinois’ grocery stores have told shoppers to leave their reusable bags at home to stop COVID-19’s spread. Chicago’s 7-cent bag tax will continue unless the law is changed.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, plastic bag tax

Pritzker extends Illinois stay-at-home order through April 30

By Ben Szalinski

03/31/2020

The order was originally scheduled to lift on April 7, but cases of coronavirus in the state continue to rise. Schools will remain closed.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker