Noting some hard numbers from November, Illinois manufacturers say they’re watching Springfield for decisions on taxes and spending as they keep battling in a worldwide marketplace. While Illinois gained a few jobs in November, they weren’t in manufacturing. Although the state added about 400 jobs in November, the unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points to...

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, unemployment

Food-stamp rolls still trump payrolls in Illinois

By Michael Lucci

12/21/2015

During its recovery from the Great Recession, Illinois has put seven people on food stamps for every six people added to employment rolls.

TAGS: food stamps

Growing out of control: Property taxes put increasing burden on Illinois taxpayers

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

12/17/2015

Property taxes are the single largest tax in Illinois, burdening residents far more than either income or sales taxes. Illinoisans already know they pay high property taxes. But what is not as well known is that property taxes are outpacing residents’ ability to pay for them. Over the past 50 years, whether measured in comparison...

A worker’s right to choose

By Austin Berg

12/14/2015

Hundreds of thousands of Illinois workers are forced to pay union dues to keep their jobs. But close by, worker freedom reigns.

TAGS: right to work

What’s wrong with Illinois’ economy?

By Michael Lucci

12/13/2015

Madigan’s economic record is one of failure, and the best he can say in his defense is that trying a new path would somehow make things worse.

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

Illinois employers warn of 2,600 layoffs in coming months

By Austin Berg

12/11/2015

A state report shows plans for more layoffs amid an already difficult jobs climate in Illinois, especially for blue-collar workers.

TAGS: manufacturing

Midwestern United States

Why we fight: The faces of Illinois Policy 2015

Workers’ compensation in Illinois: Identifying the pain points

Illinois losing 1 resident every 5 minutes to out-migration

Illinois lost more population than any other state last year

Illinois manufacturing continues to lag

Food-stamp rolls still trump payrolls in Illinois

Growing out of control: Property taxes put increasing burden on Illinois taxpayers

A worker’s right to choose

What’s wrong with Illinois’ economy?

Illinois employers warn of 2,600 layoffs in coming months

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