Illinois sales tax revenues down 24% in May amid strict lockdown
Illinois sales tax revenues down 24% in May amid strict lockdown
Monthly sales tax collections in Illinois continued sharp declines compared to one year earlier amid strict COVID-19 restrictions. Neighboring states with more open economies fared better.
By Adam Schuster
Antonio Cavazos: Juicy Luzy Sangria
Antonio Cavazos: Juicy Luzy Sangria
"The governor needed to reach out more to small businesses because that’s mainly the backbone of our country."
Illinois’ new initial unemployment claims remain high
Illinois’ new initial unemployment claims remain high
New jobless claims remain several times higher than last year as state begins to test re-opening.
By Orphe Divounguy, Jon Josko
Pritzker signs budget out of balance by $6B
Pritzker signs budget out of balance by $6B
Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout.
By Adam Schuster
Orland Park mayor slams Pritzker’s reopening plan in video
Orland Park mayor slams Pritzker’s reopening plan in video
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s reopening plan has been met with widespread criticism. One suburban mayor publicly assailed Pritzker’s inconsistencies for hurting the economy.
Despite business, lawmaker suits, Pritzker grants himself emergency powers for 4th time
Despite business, lawmaker suits, Pritzker grants himself emergency powers for 4th time
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker for the fourth time extended by 30 days his emergency powers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses and lawmakers are amending lawsuits in response.
By Joe Tabor
Randy Miles: Village Inn Pizzeria
Randy Miles: Village Inn Pizzeria
“My employees are starving, so do they feel safe? I try to make them feel as safe as we possibly can. I believe they feel nervous…. I know they’re nervous. I’m nervous."
Ernie Sandoval
Ernie Sandoval
“I quit my job in the beginning of March and was supposed to start a new job a week later. The start date was March 16, and because of COVID-19 I never started the job. “It’s been 12 weeks since I requested assistance and it’s still up in the air. I have not been able...
Pritzker signs bill legalizing cocktails to-go
Pritzker signs bill legalizing cocktails to-go
Legal cocktails to-go give bars and restaurants a new avenue to serve customers through delivery and pickup service.
Rachel Meredith
Rachel Meredith
“Eight years ago, I got married and had two boys and was divorced before my youngest was 2. I had a baby and a toddler and I was out on my own. I never had anything in my name and I learned you couldn’t even get a phone bill without having previous credit. Two years...
62 former state lawmakers receiving more than $100K pensions
62 former state lawmakers receiving more than $100K pensions
Illinois’ broken pension system puts $100,000 a year or more into the hands of 62 former state lawmakers. It has paid more than $1 million to 94 of them.
In the wake of George Floyd’s death, Springfield has essential work to do
In the wake of George Floyd’s death, Springfield has essential work to do
Illinois lawmakers cannot afford to delay action in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
By Austin Berg