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.
Chicago and Cook County raise minimum wage today
The minimum wage for residents working in Chicago and Cook County is increasing July 1. Research suggests the rise in wage rates will benefit the working Chicagoans at the expense of the city’s vulnerable unemployed.
Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1
Illinois’ second minimum wage increase this year is part of a plan to hit $15 an hour in 2025. Small businesses face tough decisions on cutting staff or raising prices.
COVID-19 increases Illinois farm losses to point that farms may be lost
Farmers have always proven resilient and ultimately will survive the virus and anything state government lobs at them.
Chicago area up 241K jobs, rest of Illinois down 41K jobs from before recession
Illinois’ uneven recovery reflects national trends, but also raises important questions about the state’s economic future ahead of a key tax hike vote.
A decade after recession, Illinois’ construction industry is ice cold
Why is Illinois construction so weak? As it turns out, big government programs can’t paper over weak fundamentals.
Doubled gas tax creates losers in Illinois, winners across state lines
Station owners said Illinois businesses were damaged July 1 when the gasoline tax doubled. Tax increases are keeping Illinois pumps quiet and cooling cigarette sales.
Illinois small business cuts 6 jobs immediately after $15 minimum wage hike
A vinyl graphics business in southwestern Illinois wasn’t planning to downsize. But the state’s $15 minimum wage hike has forced the owners to cut six jobs.
Pritzker signs statewide $15 minimum wage into law
Estimates from the governor’s office suggest the minimum wage increase will add $1.1 billion to the state payroll, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers.
Pritzker’s first year deficit $440 million larger than expected because he plans to spend $440 million more
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has said his first year deficit is $3.2 billion, but he intends to spend hundreds of millions more than planned under previous baseline budgeting.