Illinois tax rates rank No. 1: highest in U.S.
Illinois tax rates rank No. 1: highest in U.S.
Illinoisans now pay the highest combined state and local tax rates in the nation. Those taxes take more than 15% of their household income each year.
Illinois missing nearly twice as many jobs as U.S.
Illinois missing nearly twice as many jobs as U.S.
Revisions show Illinois added 17,400 more jobs in 2021 than previously thought, but the state’s recovery still significantly lags the U.S. recovery rate.
Illinois leads U.S. for people moving out: 8th year of loss
Illinois leads U.S. for people moving out: 8th year of loss
Illinois reported the largest outmigration of residents of any state during 2021, marking the 8th consecutive year of population decline in Illinois. Chicago similarly saw more residents move away than any metropolitan area in the nation.
Lightfoot considers ending Chicago gas tax amid record prices
Lightfoot considers ending Chicago gas tax amid record prices
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is considering a repeal of Chicago’s 8-cent-per-gallon gas tax to alleviate record-breaking prices. State gas taxes doubled in 2019 and state leaders are also considering a repeal.
Illinois corruption: ‘I Love Lucy’
Illinois corruption: ‘I Love Lucy’
Biden extends transit mask mandate by 1 month
Biden extends transit mask mandate by 1 month
Travelers on planes, buses and other public transportation will have to stay masked until April 18. The federal mandate was to expire March 18.
Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment
Madigan pleads ‘not guilty’ to 22-count corruption indictment
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan entered a “not guilty” plea to federal racketeering and bribery charges March 9.
Bill to boost Chicago police pensions would cost taxpayers $3 billion
Bill to boost Chicago police pensions would cost taxpayers $3 billion
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill to boost Chicago firefighter cost-of-living increases last year, costing taxpayers $850 million. Despite Mayor Lori Lightfoot calling it “irresponsible,” a new bill would do the same for city police at more than triple the cost.
After 2 years, it’s time to limit Pritzker’s emergency powers
After 2 years, it’s time to limit Pritzker’s emergency powers
March 12 marks two years of life under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s emergency powers. It is time lawmakers had a say in how long those powers last.
Ep. 27: Failure to launch: Small business job creators struggle to grow in Illinois
Ep. 27: Failure to launch: Small business job creators struggle to grow in Illinois
Lots of businesses tried to get started during 2021 in Illinois, but the ones that create jobs had a tough time launching. That’s why Illinois’ unemployment remains high and salaries depressed during a national labor shortage. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to explain. Host: Hilary Gowins Guest: Bryce Hill
Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient
Your Story: COVID 19’s 2nd anniversary proves Illinoisans remain resilient
During the past two years, about 80 Illinoisans shared how the COVID-19 pandemic was changing their lives, children’s educations and businesses. Here is how some of them have come through the pandemic, both those who thrived and those who lost.
Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union
Amendment 1 would cement strikes as go-to weapon for Chicago Teachers Union
The Chicago Teachers Union has gone on strike five times and walked out on students at least three other times since it got the right to strike in 1984. Gaining greater power through Amendment 1 would embolden militant union tactics.
Kevin Promenschenkel
Kevin Promenschenkel
"If I wouldn’t have done what I did I wouldn’t even be in business today.”
Pritzker fact check: College applications up because high schools now require them
Pritzker fact check: College applications up because high schools now require them
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently boasted Illinois was No. 1 for growth in high school applications for college aid. He failed to mention state law now makes students complete the application if they want to graduate.