Illinois recovered pandemic-era job losses in July – a year later than the rest of the country

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

08/17/2023

The state finally surpassed January 2020 job levels after 37 states had already done so, including all of Illinois’ neighbors except Michigan.

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

A review of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term in Illinois’ highest office examines his track record beyond the campaign rhetoric. The second and final gubernatorial debate with opponent Darren Bailey is Oct. 18.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois still missing nearly 1 in 3 leisure, hospitality jobs

By Dylan Sharkey

02/23/2022

Illinois is experiencing one of the nation’s worst recoveries for leisure and hospitality jobs. Of the Illinois jobs that vanished since the COVID-19 pandemic, 35% are in leisure and hospitality – the most of any industry.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, Illinois, jobs

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2021

Illinois has a chance to fix its state finances, thanks to federal relief. But unless pension growth is brought under control, both retirees and taxpayers will be at risk as debt continues to consume state services.

Progressive income tax amendment heading for defeat

11/04/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s push for his “fair tax” is headed for rejection by Illinois voters. State lawmakers now must face the public pension debt driving the state’s fiscal crisis.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, Vote Yes for Fairness

State of the state: Pritzker saw worst first-year jobs numbers since Blagojevich

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

01/27/2020

Illinois job creation lagged the national median in nearly every sector.

TAGS: 401(k), BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago, constitutional amendment, economic competitiveness, economic growth, fair tax, government spending, graduated income tax, housing, housing market, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Illinois Constitution, income, income growth, JB Pritzker, job creation, jobs, labor, labor force participation rate, outmigration, pensions, personal income, population, private sector, progressive income tax, public sector, retirement age, spending, spending cap, Springfield, tax burden, tax hikes, tax increase, U.S. Census Bureau, unemployment

Budget Solutions 2020: A 5-year plan to balance Illinois’ budget, pay off debt and cut taxes

By Adam Schuster

02/04/2019

Gov. J.B. Pritzker inherited a $2.8 billion budget deficit the moment he stepped into office. Next year, that deficit is projected to be $3.4 billion1. It’s the same story every budget season. But Illinois’ budget crises could be a thing of the past if the state would adopt pension reform, right-size its union contracts and...

Moving company ranks Illinois 2nd in nation for outbound moves

01/07/2019

Outbound movers cited lack of jobs as most common reason for leaving Illinois in 2018. Most of those who left earned at least $100,000.

TAGS: employment, income tax, jobs, outmigration, progressive income tax, property taxes, taxes, United Van Lines

Jobs data: After 2017 income tax hike, Illinois slows while nation grows

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

07/02/2018

As national jobs growth kept up a steady clip, Illinois saw jobs growth dip after lawmakers passed a historic tax hike.

TAGS: employment, income tax, jobs, taxes, U.S. Census Bureau

occupation

Unlocking Opportunity: How Occupational Licensing Reform Would Promote Equitable Empowerment in Illinois

Illinois recovered pandemic-era job losses in July – a year later than the rest of the country

Report card: How’s Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker done in 4 years?

Illinois still missing nearly 1 in 3 leisure, hospitality jobs

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

Progressive income tax amendment heading for defeat

State of the state: Pritzker saw worst first-year jobs numbers since Blagojevich

Budget Solutions 2020: A 5-year plan to balance Illinois’ budget, pay off debt and cut taxes

Moving company ranks Illinois 2nd in nation for outbound moves

Jobs data: After 2017 income tax hike, Illinois slows while nation grows

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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