An Illinois workers’ compensation system for the 21st century

By Mark Adams

07/15/2016

The state of Illinois has one of the oldest workers’ compensation systems in America, dating to 1911.

IDES: Illinoisans must file résumés to receive unemployment payments

By Amy Korte

07/14/2016

By linking unemployment payments with the requirement to submit a résumé, the Illinois Department of Employment Security is trying to connect unemployed people with employers faster, helping job seekers find employment, and saving taxpayers money.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs, unemployment

Illinois is losing prime working-age adults

By Michael Lucci

07/12/2016

BLS data show that Illinois had a net loss of 354,000 adults over the last decade from its prime working-age adult population (ages 25 to 54), with 290,000 of that loss attributable to migration rather than mortality. This is a troubling sign that indicates a weak economy – and the loss of adult taxpayers and their children.

TAGS: Indiana, jobs, outmigration, population

Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession

By Michael Lucci

07/05/2016

Most states have far outstripped Illinois on the number of jobs recovered. And even worse, Illinois has also lagged in the quality of jobs recovered. Illinois was the 37th state to recover and match its pre-recession jobs count. But there are still 110,000 fewer Illinoisans working today than before the recession began.

TAGS: Great Recession, jobs, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

General Assembly passes occupational-licensing reform

By Bryant Jackson-Green

06/01/2016

HB 5973 would remove significant occupational-licensing barriers, thereby making it easier for former offenders to support themselves and their families – and making it less likely ex-offenders will commit crimes in the future.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, occupational licensing

Illinois has highest unemployment rate in nation

By Michael Lucci

05/20/2016

A new report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows Illinois gained 5,400 jobs in April, but the state’s unemployment rate ticked up to 6.6 percent, tied for highest in the U.S.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs, unemployment

Illinois has zero private-sector jobs growth in the 21st century

By Michael Lucci

05/10/2016

Illinois is one of four states in the entire U.S. to have fewer private sector jobs today compared to the turn of the century. The Land of Lincoln needs pro-growth reforms to allow the state’s private sector to rise again.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

4 statements reveal that Cullerton doesn’t understand Illinois’ workers’ compensation system

By Michael Lucci

04/22/2016

Illinois has the most expensive system in the Midwest for workers' compensation.

TAGS: John Cullerton, workers compensation

Unemployment 101: How to understand an Illinois jobs report

By Michael Lucci

04/15/2016

Monthly reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security allow the public to see Illinois’ record for job creation and unemployment. Understanding the components of the reports, what they measure, and the significance of the data are key to assessing the state’s economic health.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs, unemployment

The fall of Illinois manufacturing

By Austin Berg

04/07/2016

illinois manufacturing hoist liftruck marty flaska

Since the state's recession bottom, Illinois has regained less than 5 percent of its manufacturing jobs — the worst rate of recovery among all neighboring states.

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, workers compensation

Bureau of Labor Statistics

An Illinois workers’ compensation system for the 21st century

IDES: Illinoisans must file résumés to receive unemployment payments

Illinois is losing prime working-age adults

Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession

General Assembly passes occupational-licensing reform

Illinois has highest unemployment rate in nation

Illinois has zero private-sector jobs growth in the 21st century

4 statements reveal that Cullerton doesn’t understand Illinois’ workers’ compensation system

Unemployment 101: How to understand an Illinois jobs report

The fall of Illinois manufacturing

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