Workforce dropout causes Illinois unemployment to fall slightly

By Michael Lucci

06/15/2017

A new report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows Illinois had a modest net gain of 2,400 jobs in May, but still has fewer jobs today than before the Great Recession began.

TAGS: IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, jobs, unemployment

Where have all the new homes gone?

By Austin Berg

06/15/2017

Compared with Illinois’ pre-recession average, permits for new single-family and multiunit housing are down more than 60 percent.

TAGS: construction, housing, local government, prevailing wage, property taxes, workers compensation

Illinois has the worst personal income growth in the U.S.

By Michael Lucci

06/07/2017

Lawmakers’ proposed new and higher taxes would only make things harder for struggling Illinoisans.

TAGS: household income, personal income

7 Illinois properties rank among nation’s top 100 property tax bills

By Brendan Bakala

05/23/2017

Though most of the top 100 property tax bills came from New York, the state with the second most entries was Illinois. The 13th highest bill in the country belonged to Exelon’s nuclear generating station in Byron, Illinois, totaling $36.5 million in 2016.

TAGS: property taxes

Illinois’ economic weakness results in nation’s highest black unemployment rate

By Michael Lucci

05/22/2017

Only 51 percent of black adults reported having some form of work in Illinois.

Illinois has the nation’s highest black unemployment rate

By Michael Lucci

05/20/2017

New Bureau of Labor Statistics data show Illinois’ black residents have an unemployment rate of 12.7 percent, more than double the state’s overall rate.

TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment, unemployment

17% of Illinois homes are seriously underwater

By Madelyn Harwood

05/11/2017

Illinois’ sky-high property tax rates and lackluster economic growth have aggravated the state’s housing crisis.

TAGS: housing, property taxes

‘Grand bargain’ would cut private sector pay and continue government worker perks

By Michael Lucci

03/28/2017

Illinois state government works to prioritize special interests over taxpayers – and the budget deal being negotiated in the Senate would continue that.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, budget, Christine Radogno, grand bargain, manufacturing, outmigration, property taxes, taxes

Education finance solutions

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

02/09/2017

Making Illinois’ system fairer through pension reform, consolidation and accountability to parents and students.

Illinois’ wealth flight explained in 4 graphics

By Michael Lucci

11/15/2016

IRS data show the average income of taxpayers leaving Illinois surpassed the average income of taxpayers entering the state by $20,000 in 2014, a record loss for Illinois in the wake of the 2011 income-tax hike.

TAGS: IRS: Internal Revenue Service, outmigration

Nevada

Workforce dropout causes Illinois unemployment to fall slightly

Where have all the new homes gone?

Illinois has the worst personal income growth in the U.S.

7 Illinois properties rank among nation’s top 100 property tax bills

Illinois’ economic weakness results in nation’s highest black unemployment rate

Illinois has the nation’s highest black unemployment rate

17% of Illinois homes are seriously underwater

‘Grand bargain’ would cut private sector pay and continue government worker perks

Education finance solutions

Illinois’ wealth flight explained in 4 graphics

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit Illinois students?

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