Iowa just cut cosmetology and barber training red tape, allowing students to learn on the job, get paid and finish debt free. Illinois should do the same, offering apprenticeships in licensed occupations rather than forcing aspiring workers to take on big debt.
What pressing issues did the Illinois General Assembly consider among 6,745 bills this past session? They pondered a sticker commission, “end-of-life” carpets, paper grocery coupons, 15-year-old voters and their own beauty sleep.
Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.
As Illinois faces high unemployment, a persistent skills gap and thousands of at-risk youth, Rockford delivers opportunity through a targeted workforce program. It offers a model for other Illinois cities.
State data shows 31,937 members of Illinois’ five pension systems collected $100,000 a year or more in retirement benefits during 2024. Some got over $500,000. See the full list below.
Joining the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact offers a solution to Illinois’ growing nurse shortage, but certain special interest groups stand in the way, limiting patients’ access to timely medical care.
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan may be heading for a 7.5-year stint in the federal pen, but his corrupt legend lives on thanks to a folk song by a former staffer.
Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.
Despite Illinois experiencing job growth in some sectors, it remains one of the states with the highest unemployment rates. It’s been that way for 66 of the 77 months J.B. Pritzker has been governor thanks to high taxes and too much state spending.
Illinois is adding a 25-cent fee to all bets and 50-cent fee to high-volume sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel starting July 1. Illinoisans lost $1.12 billion in 2024, with $700 million of that on parlays. The new fees will add even more to that total.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $55.2 billion budget propped up by five new tax hikes starting July 1. Gas, phone bills, tobacco, sportsbooks and rentals such as VRBO will all come with higher taxes in Illinois.
While 47 states celebrate freedom with fireworks blazing across the sky, Illinois clings to a 1942 ban that limits autonomy and ignores safety data. Illinois residents cross state lines to partake in fireworks fun, while the state loses revenue and credibility.
Just in time for Independence Day travel, drivers will face Illinois’ latest gasoline tax hike. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has added 29 cents per gallon since 2019 – costing the average driver $143 more per year.