Union membership in Illinois hits record low

By Mailee Smith

01/24/2024

Public and private sector unions in Illinois saw another 27,000 workers reject union membership in 2023. Just 12.8% of public and private-sector workers chose union membership, the lowest it’s been in 34 years on record.

TAGS: unions

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd-worst in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

01/23/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for third-worst in the U.S. in December 2023, despite job gains across most industries since last year. Illinois continues to lag the nation and nearly all its neighbors in job growth.

Illinois makes it tough for poor to become barbers, makeup artists, manicurists

By Joe Tabor

12/26/2023

Personal care services such as cutting hair can be one of the more welcoming professions for those stuck in poverty. But Illinois imposes a heavy burden before they can get to work.

Most Illinois metro areas add jobs in November, four await pandemic recovery

By Patrick Andriesen

12/22/2023

Nearly two-thirds of Illinois’ metro areas added jobs in November, led primarily by the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro adding 10,300 jobs since October. Four metros still have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.

Illinois licensing makes escaping poverty harder than in other Midwestern states

By Joe Tabor

11/27/2023

Illinois could make it easier to escape poverty by letting more people work without first getting a license. Six neighboring states do a better job of easing occupational licensing on low-income professions.

Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery

By Justin Carlson

08/04/2023

Despite statewide job gains in June, eight of Illinois’ metro areas lost jobs for the month. Most areas still haven’t recovered to pre-pandemic job levels.

Illinois metro unemployment rates still among worst in U.S.

By Justin Carlson

06/30/2023

While most Illinois metropolitan areas saw job gains last month, unemployment rates remain higher than the U.S. rate in 11 of the state’s 13 metro areas.

Brandon Johnson’s tax hikes would hurt Chicago’s recovery, cost even more jobs

By Justin Carlson

03/31/2023

Chicago is still missing 26,500 jobs from pre-pandemic levels. Voters agree: more taxes on businesses is the wrong answer.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term

By Justin Carlson

03/22/2023

All 11 major industries in Illinois were among the worst in the nation for job growth from January 2019 to January 2023, with each of them ranking in the bottom half in the nation.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois House bill would force Chicago grocers, gas stations to hire armed guards

By Dylan Sharkey

02/03/2023

A state lawmaker wants to force select Chicago businesses to hire full-time, armed security guards.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Union membership in Illinois hits record low

Illinois’ unemployment rate tied for 3rd-worst in U.S.

Illinois makes it tough for poor to become barbers, makeup artists, manicurists

Most Illinois metro areas add jobs in November, four await pandemic recovery

Illinois licensing makes escaping poverty harder than in other Midwestern states

Most Illinois metro areas shed jobs in June, await pandemic recovery

Illinois metro unemployment rates still among worst in U.S.

Brandon Johnson’s tax hikes would hurt Chicago’s recovery, cost even more jobs

Illinois job growth among worst in U.S. during Pritzker’s first term

Illinois House bill would force Chicago grocers, gas stations to hire armed guards

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