Gov. J.B. Pritzker teased Illinoisans in mid-October that he might lift the statewide mask mandate if new COVID-19 cases declined. But he recently pulled back on that hope, leaving Illinois as one of the few states with a statewide mask mandate.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, masks

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

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

School closures keep over 28,000 Illinois moms out of work

By Orphe Divounguy

05/07/2021

States that have re-opened schools have also increased labor force participation of mothers, evidence suggests.

TAGS: COVID-19, jobs, Mother's Day, public schools

Survey: Illinois state, local taxes are highest in nation

03/10/2021

Illinois households pay nearly $9,500 on average in state and local taxes, which at 15% of their income is the nation’s highest. WalletHub finds gasoline taxes pushed Illinois to No. 1.

TAGS: gas tax, income tax, property tax, taxes

Poll shows diverse support for Illinois pension reform

03/11/2020

Illinois Democrats, union members, government or nonprofit workers, and people of all income groups support a pension amendment that allows for changes in cost-of-living raises and other future benefits.

TAGS: constitutional amendment, Illinois Constitution, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, pensions

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Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021

Illinois only state east of Mississippi with statewide mask mandate

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

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

School closures keep over 28,000 Illinois moms out of work

Survey: Illinois state, local taxes are highest in nation

Poll shows diverse support for Illinois pension reform

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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