Illinois’ weak economic foundations and fiscal mismanagement were preexisting conditions that caused it to suffer a deeper COVID-19 downturn. They will also hurt its recovery.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls his $3.7 billion income tax hike a “fair tax.” But opponents have criticized the constitutional amendment as a blank check for House Speaker Mike Madigan and other state lawmakers, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers.

Illinois doubled the gas tax in 2019, which pushed it to No. 3 in the nation for highest average gas tax.

Monthly sales tax collections in Illinois continued sharp declines compared to one year earlier amid strict COVID-19 restrictions. Neighboring states with more open economies fared better.