Illinois’ failing economic model: more food stamps, fewer jobs
Illinois’ failing economic model: more food stamps, fewer jobs
by Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner Illinois added nearly three times more people to its food stamp program than it added in jobs over the past year – just another confirmation that the state’s economic model is failing. Between February 2012 and February 2013, Illinois added nearly 200,000 new enrollees to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,...
National unemployment rises to 7.6 percent in May
National unemployment rises to 7.6 percent in May
by Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced today that the national unemployment rate rose in May to 7.6 percent from 7.5 percent one month earlier. Non-farm private payrolls rose by 175,000. The payroll growth, which has averaged 172,000 over the past 12 months, continues to be significantly below the range needed...
Corri McFadden is betting on Illinois
Corri McFadden is betting on Illinois
When Corri McFadden thinks about the future and growing her business, it always includes Illinois.
By Hilary Gowins
Illinois had a lower veteran unemployment rate than the nation last year
Illinois had a lower veteran unemployment rate than the nation last year
by Paul Schumacher The Illinois Department of Employment Security issues a monthly report on unemployment for veterans. In April 2013, the unemployment rate for all veterans older than 18 was 6.2 percent, down from 7.1 percent in April 2012. Monthly numbers for veteran unemployment are not available, but for 2012 Illinois had a lower veteran unemployment rate...
City of Evanston denies food-truck application it forced owners to file
City of Evanston denies food-truck application it forced owners to file
by Jacob Huebert Jim Nuccio and Gabriel Wiesen are two young entrepreneurs who want to operate their Beavers Coffee & Donuts food truck in Evanston. But one thing stands in their way: a city ordinance that allows only food trucks run by “licensed food establishments,” such as brick-and-mortar restaurants, to operate there. Jim and Gabriel...
Census: Chicago slowest growing big city in U.S.
Census: Chicago slowest growing big city in U.S.
The state of Illinois has been experiencing net out-migration for the last decade. That is, the number of people choosing to leave the state is outpacing the number of people moving to Illinois. Illinois had the eighth-lowest population growth in the nation between 2002 and 2012. And compared with its neighbors, Illinois’ population growth is...
By Hilary Gowins
Illinois one of only 7 states with unemployment higher than one year ago
Illinois one of only 7 states with unemployment higher than one year ago
by Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner Illinois continues to have the nation’s second-worst unemployment rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ April labor report. The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 9.3 percent in April, down from 9.5 percent in March, and is still nearly two percentage points above the 7.5 percent national average. The state’s drop...
Illinois unemployment drops to 9.3 percent
Illinois unemployment drops to 9.3 percent
The Illinois Department of Employment Security, or IDES, announced today that the Illinois unemployment rate declined to 9.3 percent in April from 9.5 percent in March. Illinois’ unemployment rate is still nearly two percentage points above the national average, which declined to 7.5 percent in April. Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security The decline in the...
Illinois was the only state to see a double-digit year-over-year jump in food stamp use
Illinois was the only state to see a double-digit year-over-year jump in food stamp use
by Ted Dabrowski Food-stamp use rose 2.7% in the U.S. in February from a year earlier, with 15% of the U.S. population receiving benefits. The number of recipients in the food stamp program, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reached 47.6 million, or nearly one in seven Americans. With more...
More Caterpillar layoffs in Decatur
More Caterpillar layoffs in Decatur
Earlier this month, Caterpillar Inc. announced an additional 300 employees will be laid off at the Decatur plant. The latest layoffs would take effect in July. The announcement comes a month after the manufacturer said 460 workers would lose their jobs effective in June. Unemployment in the Decatur metro area is 11.8 percent. Illinois has the...
Unemployment woes: regional numbers show residents of Illinois cities still struggling to find work
Unemployment woes: regional numbers show residents of Illinois cities still struggling to find work
by Ted Dabrowski Illinois has the nation’s second-worst unemployment rate. At 9.5 percent, it’s two percentage points higher than the national average of 7.5 percent. That gap translates into lost opportunities and struggle for the many Illinoisans who wish to be gainfully employed. Nearly 130,000 more Illinoisans could be working today if Illinois employed people at the...
Illinois competitiveness: ChiefExecutive.net ranks state 48th best for business
Illinois competitiveness: ChiefExecutive.net ranks state 48th best for business
by Ted Dabrowski Illinois politicians can’t hide from their decade-long policy failures. Jobs are scarce, as evidenced by the state’s 9.5 percent unemployment rate. That’s second worst in the nation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s finances are in shambles and Illinois now pays the highest penalty rate for borrowing when compared to other states....
U.S. April unemployment report: Underemployment a growing problem
U.S. April unemployment report: Underemployment a growing problem
Ted Dabrowski John Klingner The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced today that the national unemployment rate declined to 7.5 percent in April from 7.6 percent in March. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 165,000 in April, up from a revised 138,000 payroll jobs in March. source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics This amount of job creation...
Open season on Illinois businesses
Open season on Illinois businesses
Sunshine State offers Illinois businesses a brighter future