Recent federal jobs data show that white-collar professionals are more numerous and earn more money in Illinois than in Indiana, but that Indiana, a Right-to-Work state, has more and better-paying jobs for blue-collar workers than does Illinois, which has forced unionization.
Illinois’ manufacturing sector’s recovery from the Great Recession has lagged behind the recoveries of nearby states, demonstrating the need for bold, pro-growth reforms to set Illinois back on the path to success.
Indiana and Michigan laid the framework for a manufacturing and jobs recovery. Until politicians in the Illinois General Assembly get serious about pursuing real reforms, the state’s jobs climate with continue to decline.
Illinois’ attorney general claims local Right-to-Work ordinances violate federal labor laws. But she’s wrong: Federal law doesn’t preempt Illinois state law on this issue.
Chicago’s $1.15 billion projected budget gap is the latest in a decades-long string of structural deficits. Making Chicago’s high taxes worse is not the solution.