A year into COVID-19 and 552,000 Illinois workers are still in need of jobs. Despite that, Gov. J.B. Pritzker is asking for as much as $2 billion in new taxes on the small businesses that create most Illinois jobs.

The pandemic has affected everyone, but the economic fallout has been especially devastating for specific groups. In addition to retailers, restaurant owners and other small business owners, women, working mothers and Black Illinoisans suffered the worst in terms of job losses.

Revised figures show 2020 job losses were worse for Black Illinoisans than originally thought. The worst year of job losses in state history disproportionately affected minority Illinoisans.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is allowing bars and restaurants to be open later and increase capacity, but city inspectors are looking for COVID-19 rules violations. Five restaurants and bars were just cited.

Illinois saw new unemployment claims rise for a third week, even as nearly 3 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been given to Illinoisans.

Unemployment claims bumped up for a second week in Illinois as Gov. J.B. Pritzker decided to push for 9 new taxes, mostly hitting businesses and job creation. Illinois ranked 49th for recovery last week.