Weak jobs numbers across the Midwest reflect the possibility of an oncoming economic slowdown. In fact, it would not be surprising to face a recession in the upcoming months, given that U.S. jobs growth has been weakening, and it has been seven years since the previous recession ended – a long period of expansion by historical norms.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs, TABOR: Taxpayer Bill of Rights, unemployment

How business-liability reform can help encourage ex-offender employment

By Bryant Jackson-Green

04/07/2016

With the right liability reforms, Illinois can protect businesses and make them more likely to give ex-offenders a chance at employment.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, jobs

Illinois corruption watch: March 2016

04/04/2016

Several instances of corruption and mismanagement of public property and trust came to light in March and included new developments in cases involving Chicago Public Schools’ former CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

TAGS: corruption

The debt never paid: Re-entry reforms for Illinois

By Bryant Jackson-Green

03/31/2016

How to reform a broken criminal-justice system that prevents ex-offenders from achieving self-sufficiency

Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights

09/23/2015

Chicago's proposed $2.5 billion tax hike proves that Illinois taxpayers need protection from excessive and unpredictable taxation.

Suspending state energy assistance opens door for reform in Illinois

06/09/2015

With the right reforms, Illinois can provide energy assistance to people who need it without using scarce state dollars.

TAGS: State Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Colorado

July corruption watch

Madison County, Ill., to voters: Want to reduce your property taxes?

How to stop Chicago politicians from continuing to hike property taxes

Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights

May jobs report: Illinois loses 2,500 payroll jobs, workforce shrinks by 9,100

How business-liability reform can help encourage ex-offender employment

Illinois corruption watch: March 2016

The debt never paid: Re-entry reforms for Illinois

Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights

Suspending state energy assistance opens door for reform in Illinois

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students