“I was willing to do the shelter-in-place to flatten the curve and do what was needed for the country. In the beginning I think it was the only decision that was able to be made. But after that, nothing is making sense."
The state’s unemployment rate continues to soar as joblessness hits more than 1 in 5 workers.
Polling has found the vast majority of Illinoisans support reopening small retail businesses.
An Illinoisan making $12,400 a year would still pay nearly $1,800 in state and local taxes under the governor’s plan – a higher share of their income than residents of all but two states.
Small businesses have struggled since their doors were forced to close March 21. A new poll shows 75% of Illinoisans want them to be allowed to reopen now.
‘Restore Illinois’ is short on details about when and how Illinoisans can get back to work.
“How are we supposed to pay our bills? Just keep selling our stuff, until there’s nothing left? But you can’t do that because you have people counting on you."
While members can opt out of CTU at any time, the union says they may only stop paying the union if they do so during a one-month period. A lawsuit filed against the union argues this violates teachers’ First Amendment rights.
“We live a pretty simple life. We live well within our means. We’re not in any great discomfort. My concern is for patients going forward and for staff."
"Having that progressive tax is going to do nothing but hurt people more."
Illinois’ self-employed workers have been unable to receive assistance since the pandemic began. Now the state wants them to apply, be denied, and apply again for help.
Some of those leading Illinois’ response to COVID-19, or those close to them, have not exactly been following the rules about staying home and social distancing.
COVID-19 and measures to contain the disease have resulted in unemployment that’s over 50% higher than the worst months of the Great Recession.