Illinois is unprepared for the next recession

By Ted Dabrowski

01/15/2016

Sky-high debt and a meager rainy day fund make Illinois the second-least prepared state in the U.S. for its capacity to weather a recession.

TAGS: food stamps, jobs, manufacturing, pensions

Tyson Foods to close Chicago plant, lay off 480 workers

By Austin Berg

11/20/2015

Illinois continues to lose blue-collar work as other states give thanks for healthier job climates.

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, unemployment

Illinois should strive for better marks on hair-braiding regulations

By Bryant Jackson-Green

07/18/2014

The state of Illinois received a near-failing grade for the quality of its natural-hair-braiding licensing rules, according to a new study released by the Institute for Justice. The study overviews natural-hair-braiding (a popular beauty practice among African and African-American communities in the U.S.) regulations in every state in the country, ranking each one based on...

TAGS: licensing, occupational licensing, regulations, small business

Illinois House Committee wants taxpayers to pay $100 million for Obama library

By Jane McEnaney

04/17/2014

An Illinois House Committee wants taxpayers to pay $100 million for a Barack Obama library. Somehow, House Speaker Michael Madigan thinks this is an appropriate use of funds despite the state’s more than $100 billion pension crisis and $6.6 billion in unpaid bills. Madigan told the Chicago Tribune he will use “skills that I’ve developed in the legislature...

TAGS: Obama presidential library

Interactive dashboard: State income tax rates

By Benjamin VanMetre

08/28/2013

Illinois’ competitive flat rate income tax is protected in the state’s constitution. But there is a growing movement to increase income taxes in Illinois by swapping out the state’s flat-rate income tax for a progressive tax. The progressive tax plan is being sold as a tax on the rich. But the data tell a different...

Pat Quinn is fourth-highest paid governor in the country

By Hilary Gowins

07/10/2013

At a time when the state of Illinois has more than $100 billion in unfunded pension liabilities, more than $6 billion in unpaid bills and is coming off of its 13th credit downgrade since 2009, it might shock Illinoisans to hear that Gov. Quinn is one of the highest-paid governors in the country. Gov. Pat Quinn’s salary is $177,412. According...

State-funded ObamaCare insurance exchange: a bad deal for Illinois

12/31/2012

Not only is it optional for states to establish an exchange, but states that defer to a federal exchange will also save upward of $100 million annually in exchange costs.

575,000 Illinoisans Covered by Health Savings Account Plans

05/19/2010

Ten million Americans are covered by Health Savings Account-eligible insurance plans, an increase of 25 percent since last year, a new census released today by America

$60,949 in Membership Dues to the Delta Regional Authority

01/31/2010

The State of Illinois spent $30K per year in 2008 and 2009 for membership and association dues to the Delta Regional Authority.

Arkansas

Illinois is unprepared for the next recession

Tyson Foods to close Chicago plant, lay off 480 workers

Illinois should strive for better marks on hair-braiding regulations

Illinois House Committee wants taxpayers to pay $100 million for Obama library

Interactive dashboard: State income tax rates

Pat Quinn is fourth-highest paid governor in the country

State-funded ObamaCare insurance exchange: a bad deal for Illinois

575,000 Illinoisans Covered by Health Savings Account Plans

$60,949 in Membership Dues to the Delta Regional Authority

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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