Illinois still missing 1 in 7 jobs lost during pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/01/2022

With the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest and 117,000 jobs still missing, Illinois’ labor market is among the least recovered in the region.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, economic recovery, employment, job creation, jobs

Illinois lawmakers should read laws before they pass them

By Joe Tabor, Jon Josko

04/11/2022

Politicians use a loophole to bypass the Illinois Constitution’s requirement that bills be read on three separate days before they are passed. Instead, they often gut minor bills and put significant legislation in the bills within a day of the vote.

TAGS: budget, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, transparency

Illinois’ leisure, hospitality industry suffering 3rd-worst recovery in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

03/30/2022

Illinois is still missing 77,000 jobs from its restaurants, bars, hotels and other leisure industries since COVID-19 shutdowns. That Illinois jobs sector has recovered only 72% of what it lost in the pandemic – one of the nation’s worst recoveries.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Illinois’ leisure and hospitality industry least recovered in Midwest, 7th worst in the nation

By Bryce Hill

02/15/2022

One-third of Illinois’ missing jobs are from the leisure and hospitality industry, but that sector’s COVID-19 pandemic recovery lags virtually every other state in the U.S.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, restaurants

Illinois has recovered only 69% of its pre-pandemic jobs

By Orphe Divounguy

02/10/2022

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois’ economic recovery in 2021 lagged other states. A lack of in-person schooling, fewer economic opportunities and high taxes only exacerbated the ongoing population loss.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

COVID-19 jobs recovery well below U.S. average in most Illinois metro areas

By Bryce Hill

02/08/2022

The nation recovered 85% of the jobs lost to the COVID-19 downturn, but only one metro area in Illinois beat the U.S. average. The Chicago area only recovered 64% of its jobs. Bloomington was one of just 11 U.S. areas to lose jobs last year.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, jobs

Illinois jobs recovery worst in Midwest, 8th-worst in nation

By Bryce Hill

02/04/2022

With 251,900 jobs still missing since the pandemic began, Illinois’ job market is the least recovered among Midwestern states

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, jobs

Black Illinoisans still hurt most by COVID-19 job losses despite strong 2021

By Bryce Hill

02/02/2022

Nearly 17% of the jobs held by Black Illinoisans prior to the COVID-19 pandemic are still missing, nearly triple the loss of white Illinoisans.

TAGS: COVID-19, jobs, race gap, unemployment

The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery

By Orphe Divounguy

01/27/2022

Published Jan. 27, 2022 Illinois’ economy was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but 2021 was supposed to be a year of recovery. Unfortunately, the policy climate continues to be the state’s biggest liability despite high vaccination rates, great natural endowments, a talented workforce, a large financial sector and a growing tech industry. While Illinois boasts...

Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began

By Bryce Hill

01/25/2022

Despite adding 262,600 jobs in 2021, Illinois is still a long way off from a full recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Idaho

Illinois still missing 1 in 7 jobs lost during pandemic

Illinois lawmakers should read laws before they pass them

Illinois’ leisure, hospitality industry suffering 3rd-worst recovery in U.S.

Illinois’ leisure and hospitality industry least recovered in Midwest, 7th worst in the nation

Illinois has recovered only 69% of its pre-pandemic jobs

COVID-19 jobs recovery well below U.S. average in most Illinois metro areas

Illinois jobs recovery worst in Midwest, 8th-worst in nation

Black Illinoisans still hurt most by COVID-19 job losses despite strong 2021

The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery

Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began

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