Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania

By Austin Berg

12/20/2017

Census data released Dec. 20 show the Land of Lincoln is no longer the fifth-largest state in the U.S.

TAGS: outmigration, Pennsylvania, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Michigan introduces 401(k)-style plan for teachers

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

06/16/2017

With the successful passage of 401(k)-style pension reform in Michigan’s state legislature, Illinois lawmakers should examine their own growing pension crisis and pursue bolder reforms to stabilize the state’s finances.

TAGS: 401(k), Michigan, pensions

Pennsylvania introduces 401(k)-style plans for government workers

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

06/12/2017

The size of Illinois’ pension crisis requires even bolder pension reform that includes 401(k)-style plans for public employees.

TAGS: 401(k), Dale Righter, Jeanne Ives, Pennsylvania, pensions

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’ 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.

Illinois ended 2016 with highest black unemployment rate of any state

By Michael Lucci

03/02/2017

Illinois had the highest black unemployment rate of any state at the end of 2016, holding that distinction for six consecutive quarters, according to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute. The Land of Lincoln also has the largest gap between its white and black unemployment rates.

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

Useless committees provide political pay raises for state lawmakers

By Austin Berg

02/24/2017

Buried in the House rules lawmakers passed in January are a dozen new committees, bringing the total number of standing committees in the House to 45. Committee chairs receive a $10,326 stipend annually.

TAGS: house rules, Illinois House of Representatives, Mike Madigan

Our regrettable shrinking state

By Austin Berg

12/30/2016

The U.S. Census Bureau released new migration data Dec. 20, and it’s frightening. Illinois has a massive people problem. From July 2015 to July 2016, the state’s population declined by more than 37,000 people. That’s the worst population loss in the nation, and will likely mean the loss of a seat in the U.S. House...

TAGS: outmigration, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Illinois losing 1 resident every 4.6 minutes, could fall behind Pennsylvania in population

By Michael Lucci

12/20/2016

Illinois has record loss of 114,000 residents to other states in 2016 as population shrinks by 37,500.

TAGS: outmigration, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Illinois has highest black unemployment rate in the country

By Michael Lucci

12/13/2016

Illinois has had the nation’s highest black unemployment rate for 15 months in a row.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Pennsylvania

Census: Illinois loses title of 5th-largest state to Pennsylvania

Michigan introduces 401(k)-style plan for teachers

Pennsylvania introduces 401(k)-style plans for government workers

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

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

Illinois ended 2016 with highest black unemployment rate of any state

Useless committees provide political pay raises for state lawmakers

Our regrettable shrinking state

Illinois losing 1 resident every 4.6 minutes, could fall behind Pennsylvania in population

Illinois has highest black unemployment rate in the country

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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