Illinois manufacturing continues to lag
Illinois manufacturing continues to lag
Noting some hard numbers from November, Illinois manufacturers say they’re watching Springfield for decisions on taxes and spending as they keep battling in a worldwide marketplace. While Illinois gained a few jobs in November, they weren’t in manufacturing. Although the state added about 400 jobs in November, the unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points to...
By Mark Fitton
Food-stamp rolls still trump payrolls in Illinois
Food-stamp rolls still trump payrolls in Illinois
During its recovery from the Great Recession, Illinois has put seven people on food stamps for every six people added to employment rolls.
By Michael Lucci
Weak November jobs report for Illinois shows spike in unemployment
Weak November jobs report for Illinois shows spike in unemployment
New federal data show Illinois gained only 400 jobs in November, and its unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent.
By Michael Lucci
What’s wrong with Illinois’ economy?
What’s wrong with Illinois’ economy?
Madigan’s economic record is one of failure, and the best he can say in his defense is that trying a new path would somehow make things worse.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois employers warn of 2,600 layoffs in coming months
Illinois employers warn of 2,600 layoffs in coming months
A state report shows plans for more layoffs amid an already difficult jobs climate in Illinois, especially for blue-collar workers.
By Austin Berg
If Madigan is protecting the middle class, why do blue-collar workers earn more in Indiana?
If Madigan is protecting the middle class, why do blue-collar workers earn more in Indiana?
Illinois’ anti-growth policies depress middle-class wages and job opportunities.
By Michael Lucci
Heather Sale
Heather Sale
“This is the best job I’ve ever had. “I was a nursing assistant before this. I have two kids and the pay here is so much better. When I came in [the owner] taught me how to weld and do other fabrication work. “But it’s sad that I have friends who want these kinds of...
Al Popovich
Al Popovich
“I’ve been doing this work my whole life. It used to be that you could get a job at Caterpillar and if you didn’t like it you could walk across the street and get another job. In other places that still happens. Not here. “We’re lucky our little shop has found a niche. We do...
Illinois loses people at a faster rate than any other Midwestern state
Illinois loses people at a faster rate than any other Midwestern state
Since 2010, Illinois has lost on net 2.6 percent of its taxpayers and dependents, along with billions of dollars of taxable income, dwarfing the rates of out-migration of other Midwestern and neighboring states.
Unemployment bill easily clears Illinois House
Unemployment bill easily clears Illinois House
House Bill 1285 also clarifies the definitions of employee misconduct allowing for denial of benefits.
By Mark Fitton
John Deere announces Illinois layoffs
John Deere announces Illinois layoffs
The Illinois stalwart is cutting hundreds of jobs in the midst of the state’s worst-in-the-Midwest manufacturing climate.
By Austin Berg
How to heal Illinois’ economy: Reform permission, friction and preparation policies
How to heal Illinois’ economy: Reform permission, friction and preparation policies
Illinois can implement several reforms now to remove obstacles to starting businesses, reduce the cost and aggravation of doing business, and more effectively educate the next generation of workers.
By Michael Lucci
San Antonio admits anti-competitive food truck law is “not defensible”
San Antonio admits anti-competitive food truck law is “not defensible”
The law, which is similar to Chicago’s food-truck rules, was changed when San Antonio’s city attorney advised the city’s best bet was to change its rules as opposed to going to court.
Strong Illinois jobs report in October, but manufacturing losses continue
Strong Illinois jobs report in October, but manufacturing losses continue
New federal jobs data reveal Illinois gained 14,100 jobs overall during October, but lost 1,900 manufacturing jobs during this time.
By Michael Lucci