Illinois’ overly restrictive rules governing day care facilities drive up costs and make high-quality child care unaffordable for many families, while doing nothing to enhance child safety.

Monthly reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security allow the public to see Illinois’ record for job creation and unemployment. Understanding the components of the reports, what they measure, and the significance of the data are key to assessing the state’s economic health.

Of the 50 states, Illinois was the top population loser.

There are now 1.06 million more Americans working than when the recession began. In comparison, there are 232,000 fewer Illinoisans working over the same time period, the second-largest employment gap in the U.S.

Had Illinois managed the recession and recovery on par with the rest of the U.S., there would be an additional 300,000 Illinoisans working today, and an additional 220,000 payroll jobs.

More and more households becoming dependent on food stamps reveals the true impact of Illinois’ sputtering economy.

Illinois is still seven years and 286,000 workers from recovery.

Exactly 900 more Illinoisans can expect to be laid off in coming months, according to notices filed with the state.

The U.S. hit a major milestone in September. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics household survey, the number of Americans working has finally surpassed pre-recession levels. In addition, the national jobless rate fell to 5.9 percent to 6.1 percent. The number of Illinoisans working, however, is far from recovery. There are now 220,000 more...

Illinois is the worst state in the Midwest for black men to find work.