Midwestern United States

Getting ahead is hard for low-income Illinoisans

By Chris Coffey
03/21/2025
Opportunity stalls in Illinois as the state lags other Midwestern states on four key indicators of social mobility. The state trails the rest of the region on entrepreneurship, economic growth, institutions and the rule of law.

Illinois’ emergency reserves lowest in nation

By Bryce Hill
03/06/2025
Illinois is dead last of the 50 states in its ability to handle a financial crisis. It couldn’t last a month. The rainy-day fund that should be its primary reserve, and that Gov. J.B. Pritzker lauded himself for refilling, could barely cover two weeks.

Illinois is Midwest’s biggest people loser

By Bryce Hill
03/05/2025
Most neighboring states are gaining residents from people moving across state lines. Even of the states losing people, Illinois is losing at a significantly faster rate.
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Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.

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Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

By Paul Kersey
06/19/2014

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

By Ted Dabrowski
05/02/2016