Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops
Illinois loses nearly 9,000 jobs on net in March; unemployment rate drops
Illinois lost jobs across several industries including construction, manufacturing, and professional and business services. The only employment category to see significant growth was leisure and hospitality.
By Michael Lucci
Work over prison: Illinois should expand record sealing
Work over prison: Illinois should expand record sealing
Research shows that recidivism rates drop for ex-offenders who are able to find steady employment.
By Hilary Gowins
What Noble charter teachers need to know before unionizing
What Noble charter teachers need to know before unionizing
A group of teachers in the Noble Network of Charter Schools are seeking union representation. Here’s what Noble teachers need to know before voting to unionize.
By Mailee Smith
McHenry County Board votes to cut tax levy by 10 percent
McHenry County Board votes to cut tax levy by 10 percent
In a bipartisan effort to cut McHenry County’s local tax burden, the McHenry County Board voted overwhelmingly in favor of a pledge to cut the county tax levy by 10 percent. The board chairman has intimated he will pursue further local government consolidation efforts.
By Brendan Bakala
Illinois is losing its core income tax base
Illinois is losing its core income tax base
High-income earners provide the majority of Illinois’ income tax revenue, and IRS data show that Illinois is losing these taxpayers to out-migration.
By Madelyn Harwood
Central Illinois suffers while legislators take spring break
Central Illinois suffers while legislators take spring break
Illinois hasn’t had a budget in two years. And it’s been more than 15 years since the state had a balanced budget. But lawmakers – who are currently on a two-week spring break – continue to be paid.
By Eric Kohn
Mautino pleads the Fifth in campaign finance case
Mautino pleads the Fifth in campaign finance case
The gas the Mautino campaign claims to have purchased over 16 years would equate to more than 35,000 miles every year. The circumference of the earth is 24,901 miles.
By Greg Bishop
Construction season means high costs for Illinois taxpayers
Construction season means high costs for Illinois taxpayers
Insurance premiums cost 20 percent of payroll for concrete construction workers in Illinois.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois’ pension funds invested in risky, alternative investments
Illinois’ pension funds invested in risky, alternative investments
Nearly 38 percent of Illinois Teachers Retirement System assets are in so-called alternative investments.
By Greg Bishop
What Illinoisans should know about their taxes
What Illinoisans should know about their taxes
The average income of taxpayers who leave Illinois is $20,000 more than the taxpayers who arrive here.
By Austin Berg
Caterpillar to move corporate headquarters to Deerfield
Caterpillar to move corporate headquarters to Deerfield
The industry giant’s move comes amid continued disinvestment in Illinois manufacturing.
By Austin Berg
Greater Chicago area lawmakers ignore needed reforms, head on spring break
Greater Chicago area lawmakers ignore needed reforms, head on spring break
While Chicago-area taxpayers struggle under a heavy tax burden, lawmakers – who continue to ignore reforms the state desperately needs – are now on a two-week vacation.