What you need to know about coronavirus in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein, Ben Szalinski

04/05/2020

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

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

By Joe Tabor

04/02/2020

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

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

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

Illinois moves Tax Day to July 15 in response to coronavirus spread

By Ben Szalinski

03/25/2020

The change puts Illinois in line with the new federal deadline announced in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

TAGS: coronavirus, corporate income tax, COVID-19, income tax, JB Pritzker

Pritzker gives stay-at-home order for Illinois, in effect until April 7

By Brad Weisenstein

03/20/2020

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on March 20 ordered state residents to stay home except for essential workers and trips for supplies. The order came as Illinois recorded its fifth death and 585 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker

For Illinois, COVID-19 cuts much deeper than public health

By Austin Berg

03/20/2020

Springfield needs to pull policy levers to mitigate harm. And they should do so as quickly as possible.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, economy, JB Pritzker, occupational licensing, progressive income tax, small business, unemployment

Illinois unemployment claims jump by 64K as COVID-19 closes businesses

By Brad Weisenstein

03/20/2020

Unemployment claims spiked this week as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered bars and restaurants to halt dine-in service, the service industry took major hits and large gatherings were banned to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ rainy-day fund can operate state for about 15 minutes

By Brad Weisenstein

03/16/2020

With economic challenges driven by the coronavirus ahead, Illinois finds itself missing an important financial tool.

TAGS: government services, JB Pritzker, rainy day fund, revenue, small business, social services

Pritzker orders closure of all Illinois bars and restaurants amid coronavirus spread

By Austin Berg

03/16/2020

The order comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Illinois continues to rise.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, JB Pritzker, small business