Illinois missed the September deadline to repay a $4.2 billion federal unemployment loan. Employers warn inaction by state lawmakers could ‘cripple’ businesses and the COVID-19 economic recovery.

Despite pushing hard for a progressive state income tax, Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized the impact of the same policy at the national level for what it means for Illinois.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood filed legislation in the U.S. House to ensure federal money supports essential government services during the COVID-19 pandemic – not mountains of pre-existing state and local debt and financial mismanagement.