Illinois public servants expect special privileges. And Gov. J.B. Pritzker is happy to oblige.
While May’s jobs report showed what could be the beginning of a bounce back in total employment for the state, growth was concentrated primarily among white workers. Black and Hispanic workers were left behind.
“There are not many stores open in downtown Springfield. With the few that are open, we’re thinking if this continues, will we survive it?"
The contractor who revamped Illinois’ unemployment system to handle self-employed workers is being sued. One of the nearly 32,500 applicants who had private information exposed said it was used to access her bank account.
Illinois’ fiscal year 2021 budget is larger than 2020’s, yet spending on education lost ground without an adjustment for inflation.
Up to 130,000 Illinois homeowners could fall behind on their mortgage payments if state lawmakers fail to provide relief.
State lawmakers last summer doubled Illinois’ gas tax to help pay for capital projects. Each year the gas tax automatically rises, shielding lawmakers from responsibility for hikes.
“Everybody is essential as far as I’m concerned. If one section of our community fails, the whole community fails."
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.
"The governor needed to reach out more to small businesses because that’s mainly the backbone of our country."
New jobless claims remain several times higher than last year as state begins to test re-opening.
Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout.