Illinois among 20 states dragging down U.S. economic recovery

By Orphe Divounguy

12/03/2021

The pandemic caused the largest and shortest economic contraction in U.S. history. But as other states recovered, Illinois’ economy remained $17 billion below the pre-pandemic trend through the first half of 2021.

TAGS: COVID-19, economy, Illinois

Illinois’ financial condition worsens despite receiving billions in federal aid

By Justin Carlson

10/01/2021

A new report from watchdog Truth in Accounting shows each taxpayer’s share of state debt has nearly doubled since 2009 to $57,000 as total debt increased by $10 billion—mostly due to pension obligations.

TAGS: budget, debt, Illinois, Truth in Accounting

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

By Perry Zhao

08/25/2021

State revenue losses around the country have ranged from far less than expected to non-existent. Fiscally healthy states are giving back to taxpayers. That doesn’t include Illinois.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, taxes

Masks can be optional in Illinois school districts

By Patrick Andriesen

07/13/2021

Illinois schools can resume in-person learning without masks next month now that the state has clarified its guidance to acknowledge local school boards should decide which COVID-19 policies best fit their students.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, masks, public schools

Illinois workers 26% less likely to find a job in May than other workers

By Orphe Divounguy, Jon Josko

06/23/2021

Illinois lost jobs in May as the state’s workers found themselves facing a tougher job hunt than workers in other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, unemployment

Former Illinois Senate president returns to lobby for utility on energy bill

By Brad Weisenstein

06/09/2021

The former president of the Illinois Senate is now a lobbyist for a power utility. Illinois needs stronger rules on when their peers can return to sway state lawmakers.

TAGS: John Cullerton, lobbying, revolving door

One year later, Illinois’ jobs recovery from COVID-19 among slowest in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

05/22/2021

Job losses peaked in April 2020 amid COVID-19 and state-mandated shutdowns. In the year-long recovery since, Illinois’ has been among the nation’s slowest.

TAGS: COVID-19, Illinois, jobs, recession, unemployment

Free Six Flags tickets offered for COVID-19 shots in Illinois

05/14/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a donation of $4 million in Six Flags tickets will be used as an incentive to get more Illinoisans their COVID-19 vaccinations. The 50,000 tickets will be targeted to minority communities.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, Six Flags, vaccine

Nursing shortage during COVID-19 argues for multi-state licenses in Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

05/12/2021

Multi-state nursing licenses would help Illinois with long-term senior care, help nurses cross state lines to fight a pandemic and help Illinois face a coming nursing shortage.

TAGS: COVID-19, emergency, Nurse Licensure Compact, regulations

Illinois ‘reopens’ June 11, but keep those masks on, Pritzker says

By Brad Weisenstein

05/07/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to keep those masks on Illinoisans, he said in announcing a June 11 target to reopen the state. The reopening ‘bridge’ phase he added in March may begin May 14.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, masks, reopen

Iowa

Illinois among 20 states dragging down U.S. economic recovery

Illinois’ financial condition worsens despite receiving billions in federal aid

Higher revenue leads to tax cuts in 11 states, but not Illinois

Masks can be optional in Illinois school districts

Illinois workers 26% less likely to find a job in May than other workers

Former Illinois Senate president returns to lobby for utility on energy bill

One year later, Illinois’ jobs recovery from COVID-19 among slowest in U.S.

Free Six Flags tickets offered for COVID-19 shots in Illinois

Nursing shortage during COVID-19 argues for multi-state licenses in Illinois

Illinois ‘reopens’ June 11, but keep those masks on, Pritzker says

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