5 signs Illinois’ economy is failing, and 5 ways to fix it

By Michael Lucci

02/05/2015

The people of Illinois – workers, entrepreneurs and business owners – have been held back by policy errors that have plagued the state for decades. But with the proper policy framework, the state can come back to life and lead the Midwest.

TAGS: jobs

The 3 most powerful lessons learned from the 2011 tax hikes

By Michael Lucci

02/04/2015

Since the January 2011 tax hikes, Illinois’ recovery slowed down, the rest of the Midwest sped up and the rest of the U.S. significantly accelerated. The Great Lakes states performed in lockstep with how well they fostered the free-enterprise system.

TAGS: jobs

After 2 historic months of jobs growth, Illinois still lagging

By Michael Lucci

02/03/2015

The two months since the election have been the Land of Lincoln’s best stretch of employment growth in the post-recession era. But the state’s sudden job-creation steam will run out without a healthy fuel of economic-reform policies.

TAGS: jobs

Act locally: Right-to-Work zones can spark IL comeback

By Michael Lucci

02/02/2015

For Illinois’ downstate communities that have felt the pain of out-migration and need to revitalize their industrial base, a local Right-to-Work ordinance can be their first step to a comeback.

TAGS: jobs, labor, right to work, unions

Illinois’ best jobs month of the year, 2014 wrap up

By Michael Lucci

01/28/2015

An encouraging December helped pull the Land of Lincoln out of last place in the Midwest for 2014 jobs growth.

TAGS: employment, jobs

U.S. shows healthy jobs gain, leaving Illinois behind

By Michael Lucci

01/11/2015

There are now 1.06 million more Americans working than when the recession began. In comparison, there are 232,000 fewer Illinoisans working over the same time period, the second-largest employment gap in the U.S.

TAGS: jobs

Illinois had record mass exodus in 2014

By Michael Lucci

01/07/2015

The stunning data underscore an important point as power shifts to Governor-elect Bruce Rauner: Illinois cannot raise taxes on a population that is shrinking due to massive numbers of people leaving.

TAGS: jobs

Illinois’ economic crisis requires local solutions

By Michael Lucci

01/05/2015

Localities don’t need to wait for Springfield to make the state work again.

TAGS: economy, food stamps, jobs

DCEO’s flagship program is a total failure

By Michael Lucci

12/28/2014

The DCEO started handing out EDGE tax credits in 2001. Nearly $1 billion later, Illinois is one of only seven states to be down jobs.

TAGS: DCEO: Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, jobs, tax credits

What Rauner can do to reform social services in Illinois

By Naomi Lopez Bauman

12/28/2014

There is clearly no lack of commitment aimed at supporting those in need here in Illinois. The question is how to do a better job of it.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, health care, jobs, social services, welfare

jobs

5 signs Illinois’ economy is failing, and 5 ways to fix it

The 3 most powerful lessons learned from the 2011 tax hikes

After 2 historic months of jobs growth, Illinois still lagging

Act locally: Right-to-Work zones can spark IL comeback

Illinois’ best jobs month of the year, 2014 wrap up

U.S. shows healthy jobs gain, leaving Illinois behind

Illinois had record mass exodus in 2014

Illinois’ economic crisis requires local solutions

DCEO’s flagship program is a total failure

What Rauner can do to reform social services in Illinois

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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