Sears to cut 400 jobs, despite state, local tax breaks

By Brendan Bakala

06/14/2017

Sears Holdings has dropped below the job threshold necessary to qualify for the $15 million in annual state tax credits for which it was once eligible.

TAGS: Economic Development Area, jobs, Sears, tax credits, unemployment

Fact-checking Rahm: Mayor deflects attention as Chicago shrinks

By Madelyn Harwood

06/03/2017

Despite Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s spin, residents are fleeing Chicago, showing they feel they are better off elsewhere.

TAGS: Chicago, outmigration, population, Rahm Emanuel, uhaul

Illinois’ youth problem: More millennials left Illinois than any other age demographic from 2011 through 2014

By Madelyn Harwood

05/17/2017

By fixing cost drivers, decreasing the cost of doing business in Illinois, and easing the tax burden, Illinois can encourage jobs growth and stand a better chance at attracting and retaining younger people.

Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 State of the State Address

By illinoispolicy

01/25/2017

Delivered on Jan. 25, 2017.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, State of the State

Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees

By Amy Korte

12/02/2016

Although a new study by Northwestern University researchers shows ex-offenders can make good hires, obstacles such as negligent-hiring liability hinder employers willing to give ex-offenders a chance.

TAGS: ban the box, criminal justice reform, expungement, record sealing, reentry

Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns

By Brendan Bakala

10/07/2016

Despite the city’s impending teachers strike, unaffordable pension debt and declining population, a Chicago alderman warns against late night trick-or-treating for fear of clowns.

TAGS: Chicago, regulations

Illinois death tax hits family farms where it hurts

By Austin Berg

09/01/2016

Illinois’ estate tax only generates about $300 million in revenue, while potentially costing the state more than $1.5 billion in annual GDP growth.

TAGS: death tax, estate tax, property taxes, taxes

CEO survey: Illinois the worst state in the Midwest for business

By Michael Lucci

05/19/2016

On the other end of the spectrum, Indiana ranked as best in the Midwest and No. 5 in the U.S., with Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee taking the top four spots. All of these states attract swarms of people in migration from Illinois, especially Texas, Florida and Indiana.

TAGS: jobs, small business

School district consolidation a step toward much-needed property tax relief

By Ted Dabrowski

04/28/2016

Illinois has 859 local school districts – the fifth-most in the nation.

TAGS: education, property taxes, school district consolidation

Illinois school district consolidation provides path to efficiency, lower tax burdens

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

04/22/2016

Nearly 25 percent of Illinois school districts serve just one school, and over one-third of all school districts have fewer than 600 students.

North Carolina

Sears to cut 400 jobs, despite state, local tax breaks

Fact-checking Rahm: Mayor deflects attention as Chicago shrinks

Illinois’ youth problem: More millennials left Illinois than any other age demographic from 2011 through 2014

Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 State of the State Address

Ex-offenders less likely to quit their jobs, no more likely to be fired than other employees

Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns

Illinois death tax hits family farms where it hurts

CEO survey: Illinois the worst state in the Midwest for business

School district consolidation a step toward much-needed property tax relief

Illinois school district consolidation provides path to efficiency, lower tax burdens

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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