New minimum wages in effect July 1 for Chicago, Cook County

By Dylan Sharkey

07/01/2022

Minimum wages for Chicago and Cook County are increasing July 1. Inflation has rapidly outpaced wage growth, cutting the average Illinoisan’s pay by $2,200.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, economy, inflation, minimum wage

Illinois drivers pay 54 cents more per gallon than rest of U.S. ahead of July 4 travel

By Dylan Sharkey

06/29/2022

Independence Day travel will return to pre-pandemic levels this weekend, reminding Illinoisans they pay the most for gas in the Midwest thanks to high taxes.

TAGS: free speech, gas prices, gas station, gas tax, inflation, JB Pritzker, taxes

High fuel taxes worsen Illinois families’ pain from inflation

By Ann Miller

06/13/2022

Illinois’ record-high fuel prices mean consumers pay more for everyday items. Pritzker’s 2019 doubling of gas, diesel, and natural gas taxes are partly to blame.

TAGS: gas prices, gas station, gas tax, inflation

Inflation leaves Illinoisans with $2,230 pay cut

By Jon Josko

06/10/2022

Consumer prices rose 8.6% in May. Illinois wage growth hasn’t kept up, leaving the average worker over $2,200 worse off.

TAGS: Illinois, inflation

Cooling down an overheated US economy doesn’t have to be painful

By Orphe Divounguy

06/03/2022

As jobs growth and wage growth show signs of slowing, tax and regulatory changes could help prevent economic pain.

TAGS: economy, Federal Reserve, Illinois, inflation

Illinois gas prices surpass $5 a gallon

By Dylan Sharkey

06/02/2022

Rising gas prices show no sign of stopping. Average gas prices in Illinois are more than $5 a gallon, thanks in part to the nation’s second-highest motor fuel tax.

TAGS: gas prices, gas tax, Illinois, inflation

Illinoisans see $2,200 pay cut thanks to inflation

By Bryce Hill

05/31/2022

Wages rose in Illinois, but inflation rose even more. That left the average worker almost $2,200 worse off.

TAGS: Illinois, inflation