Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation

By Patrick Andriesen

11/14/2022

Truth in Accounting experts contested Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s claims Illinois is on the best fiscal footing in years, citing chronic underfunding of the state’s nation-leading pension debt. The watchdogs ranked Illinois’ finances third worst among U.S. states.

TAGS: economic recovery, JB Pritzker

Illinois unemployment rate is third-highest in the nation, highest in Midwest

By Bryce Hill

08/19/2022

Illinois stands as one of the states with the most to gain – and lose – as the national economy continues to surpass job growth expectations.

TAGS: economic recovery, jobs

Illinois adds 31,200 jobs in July, still missing 88,600 from pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/19/2022

Illinois’ employment recovery continued in July, but the state is still missing nearly 1 in 9 jobs lost during the pandemic.

TAGS: economic recovery, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

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

10 Illinois metro areas gain jobs, only 1 recovers from pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/02/2022

Only Bloomington has recouped early 2020 job losses, which is bad news for Illinois’ lagging economy as recession fears increase.

TAGS: Bloomington, COVID-19, economic recovery, jobs, unemployment

Illinois still missing 1 in 7 jobs lost during pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/01/2022

With the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest and 117,000 jobs still missing, Illinois’ labor market is among the least recovered in the region.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, economic recovery, employment, job creation, jobs

Illinois adds 18,800 jobs in June, still missing 117,000 from pandemic

By Bryce Hill

07/22/2022

Illinois’ employment recovery continued in June, but the state is still missing one in seven jobs lost during the pandemic.

TAGS: economic recovery, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ state policy choices boost threat from potential U.S. recession

By Orphe Divounguy

05/27/2022

Illinois is already behind the national pandemic recovery. As the risk of recession increases, Illinoisans could fall farther behind.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, recession

Amendment 1 will make bad Illinois business climate worse

05/17/2022

A Rockford family and their trucking business are being driven out of Illinois by high taxes and bad public policies. If voters agree Nov. 8 to enshrining public union power in the Illinois Constitution, expect more businesses and workers to leave.

TAGS: Amendment 1, economic recovery, government unions, unemployment

Illinois marks 10th month of job gains, but still missing 1-in-5 jobs

By Bryce Hill

05/12/2022

Illinois is steadily adding jobs lost during the COVID-19 economic downturn, but despite 10 months of gains the state recovery lags the nation. Some metropolitan areas are far behind where they were.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, jobs, unemployment

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

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Report Archive

Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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