Orphe Divounguy, Illinois Policy Institute News
Illinois among 20 states dragging down U.S. economic recovery
The pandemic caused the largest and shortest economic contraction in U.S. history. But as other states recovered, Illinois’ economy remained $17 billion below the pre-pandemic trend through the first half of 2021.
Women driving Illinois' labor market recovery
Illinois’ labor market has heated up, gaining 40,900 jobs in October. It was the largest increase in 2021 as women, especially minority women, returned to work
79,000 more Illinoisans are in poverty because state can't fix its culture of corruption
If Illinois could have reduced corruption to the national average, an estimated 79,000 fewer people would be living in poverty, according to an analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute. State lawmakers can help by passing ethics reforms.
Income tax hike dropped Illinois' economic freedom rank; 'Fair tax' would drop it even more
The largest permanent income tax hike in Illinois history was followed by a slide to 34th least-free state in the union, behind nearly every neighboring state.
Rising property tax burdens squeeze Illinois families
For most Illinois homeowners, it’s become painfully obvious that they pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. But a couple of new studies could lead some to believe the burden might not be that bad, and might even be getting better.
Six Illinois metro areas lose jobs over the year, majority see labor force dropout
Illinois’ tepid jobs growth has come disproportionately in the Chicago area.
Illinoisans see less income after taxes than residents of all neighboring states
Illinoisans saw more than 30 percent of their income go to income taxes and property taxes from March 2015 to March 2016 – a higher share than residents of every bordering state.