81 of 102 Illinois counties lose population in 2021
81 of 102 Illinois counties lose population in 2021
Illinois’ record population decline affeced nearly all counties in 2021.
Nearly all Illinois metro areas lost population in 2021
Nearly all Illinois metro areas lost population in 2021
Illinois’ record population decline affected virtually all of the state’s largest cities.
Only 1 Illinois metro area fully recovered its pandemic-related job losses
Only 1 Illinois metro area fully recovered its pandemic-related job losses
Bloomington is the only metro area to recover jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide mandated shutdowns. Illinois is still missing 200,100 jobs as of January 2020.
DAILY LINKS / 4.25.2024
The Center Square: Measures to place more regulations on employers and landlords advance The Chicago Tribune: A skeptical Springfield awaits after Chicago Bears pitch stadium plan backed by mayor Chicago Sun-Times: CPS selective, magnet schools appear to take hit under new equity funding formula CBS Chicago: Taxpayers could be on the hook for infrastructure around planned new Bears stadium, expert says NBC Chicago: New report reveals top 25 high schools in Illinois The Daily Herald: ‘We are at a standstill’: DuPage County Board and County Clerk at odds over clerk’s authority WCIA: Senate Republicans push back on proposed state university funding planIllinois House passes plan to partially refill unemployment fund
Illinois House passes plan to partially refill unemployment fund
The Illinois House voted to use $2.7 billion in federal relief to partially refill the state’s depleted unemployment trust fund. Some lawmakers said it’s not enough.
Marijuana sales dip as Illinois’ high taxes boost illegal market
Marijuana sales dip as Illinois’ high taxes boost illegal market
Illinois’ cannabis dispensaries are noticing a steady drop in sales after record-setting sales in December. High prices and a lack of supply likely push customers to street dealers.
Pritzker rides Illinois’ gas tax wave
Pritzker rides Illinois’ gas tax wave
Hispanic Illinoisans only group to fully recover from COVID-19 job losses
Hispanic Illinoisans only group to fully recover from COVID-19 job losses
Although Hispanics were one of the groups hardest hit by pandemic-related job losses, 85,000 more Hispanic Illinoisans were employed in December 2021 compared to December 2019. Hispanic women are driving their recovery.
Ep. 29: Mike Madigan’s downfall and how to fix Illinois corruption
Ep. 29: Mike Madigan’s downfall and how to fix Illinois corruption
Former House Speaker Mike Madigan was the longest serving House Speaker in the nation and at one time the most powerful politician in Illinois. In March, he waas indicted on federal racketeering charges. Fixing Illinois’ longstanding history corrupution goes passed rooting out one man. Austin Berg joins the Policy Shop to explain how Madigan got...
Illinois adds 8,600 jobs in January, but still missing 200,100 from pandemic
Illinois adds 8,600 jobs in January, but still missing 200,100 from pandemic
Illinois’ employment recovery continued in January, but the state remains far from a full recovery and still lags the nation.
Illinois’ Black workers unemployed at near double U.S. rate
Illinois’ Black workers unemployed at near double U.S. rate
Black workers in Illinois face much higher unemployment rates than other Black workers in the nation and than their white peers in Illinois. Investing in MAP grants rather than spending more on public pensions could make a difference.
Proviso teachers’ union rejects truce as strike keeps 4,200 students out for 8 days
Proviso teachers’ union rejects truce as strike keeps 4,200 students out for 8 days
The Proviso teachers’ union declared the strike over compensation March 4, canceling classes for the district’s 4,200 students for 8 days so far. The local school board tried to call a time-out to get students back in class, but the union refused.
After two years of COVID-19, Illinois jobs growth seriously lags nation
After two years of COVID-19, Illinois jobs growth seriously lags nation
Employment in nearly all of Illinois’ major industries are still lagging other states two years after the initial COVID-19 shutdowns rocked the economy.
Illinoisans pay highest tax burden in nation
Illinoisans pay highest tax burden in nation
A new study shows Illinois is the least tax-friendly state in the nation. A family making the median national income in the median valued home pays 16.8% of their income to taxes, more than any other state.