Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead

By Chris Coffey

02/05/2025

Illinois lags both the nation and the Midwest on key indicators of social mobility. The state scores poorly on entrepreneurship, economic growth, institutions and the rule of law.

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

01/28/2025

Published Jan. 28, 2025 Illinois Policy Institute Center for Poverty Solutions, in partnership with the Archbridge Institute By Joshua Bandoch, Ph.D., head of policy, Illinois Policy Institute and Justin Callais, Ph.D., chief economist, Archbridge Institute EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A low-income person’s ability to move up in society is worse in Illinois than in any other Midwestern...

Chicago business licenses hit lowest level since pandemic

By Patrick Andriesen

12/05/2024

Only the pandemic hurt Chicago business starts and sustainability more during the past decade. Maybe Mayor Brandon Johnson should stop treating businesses like the enemy?

Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra, Jon Josko

09/20/2024

The Fed just cut interest rates over worries about the national jobs outlook, but in Illinois unemployment has been a persistent problem. Tax and state economic policy should get much of the blame.

TAGS: unemployment

Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open

By Brad Weisenstein

09/08/2023

An underused airport near Belleville, Illinois, has required local taxpayers to chip in $134.4 million since 2002 to keep it operating.

TAGS: MidAmerica Airport

Chicago Fact Sheet

08/28/2023

Chicago is one of the nation's greatest cities, but it has challenges. An outline of four of the most significant problems.

What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?

By Joe Tabor

08/24/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago

TTX joins major companies leaving Chicago

By Dylan Sharkey

07/14/2023

Rail car company TTX is heading for North Carolina, adding to the list of corporations formerly headquartered in Chicago. Companies such as McDonald’s and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange could be next.

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union registered its opinion on legislation more than 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. Its legislative priorities would drive up taxes and make government more expensive, no matter where you live in Illinois.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

06/06/2023

An ominously titled document by close confidants of new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states the new administration’s top priority is to take more money from households making $100,000 or more to fund what they claim is a “just Chicago.”

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Boeing

Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

Chicago business licenses hit lowest level since pandemic

Illinois unemployment hits 2nd highest in U.S.

Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open

Chicago Fact Sheet

What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?

TTX joins major companies leaving Chicago

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

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