Slow economic growth stops Illinoisans from getting ahead

By Chris Coffey

02/26/2025

Illinois ranks 44th in the country on entrepreneurship and economic growth, which stops people from getting ahead.

Illinois’ flat income tax puts taxpayers exactly in middle, encourages wealthy to stay

By Patrick Andriesen

02/26/2025

A new report from the Tax Foundation shows the typical Illinois taxpayer will save big thanks to the constitutional protections of Illinois’ flat tax. Some state lawmakers want to take that protection away.

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

By Bryce Hill

02/20/2025

Illinois and other states with sanctuary cities saw large influxes of international migrants in recent years. But historical data shows the new arrivals may soon move out for the same reasons other residents have.

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/20/2025

Illinoisans pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation at more than $0.84 per gallon. Only California charges its drivers more.

TAGS: gas tax

Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story

By LyLena Estabine

02/19/2025

Rockford recently made headlines as the nation’s hottest housing market, but the real story is low supply is driving up prices. Changing zoning laws could spur development that would ease the shortage and prices.

Vallas: Illinois’ woes say more about Pritzker, Johnson than Trump

By Paul Vallas

02/11/2025

Illinois leaders have built a legacy of massive government spending deficits, extortionate taxes, marauding criminals and failing schools. Instead of Trump-proofing Illinois, maybe we need to Pritzker- and Johnson-proof it.

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

02/05/2025

New data shows nine of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in December as the state gained 8,800 jobs. Ten metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.

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’ economic future pressured by worst pension crisis in nation

By LyLena Estabine

02/04/2025

Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute reveals Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable, underscoring the need for systemic reform.

California

Slow economic growth stops Illinoisans from getting ahead

Illinois’ flat income tax puts taxpayers exactly in middle, encourages wealthy to stay

International migrants boost Illinois, New York, California populations, but don’t expect them to stay

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

Rockford declared hottest housing market in U.S., but low supply is real story

Vallas: Illinois’ woes say more about Pritzker, Johnson than Trump

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation

Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead

Illinois’ economic future pressured by worst pension crisis in nation

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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