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Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category

Pritzker record: Illinois 5th-worst for private-sector job growth

Posted in Clown Car, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Elections, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order on September 3, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Illinois is in the bottom five states for private-sector job growth under Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Since he took office, job growth in the private sector in the state is up less than 0.1%.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

Under Gov. J.B. Pritzker, private-sector job growth in Illinois has remained virtually flat while the nation has seen growth.

Illinois’ private-sector job growth is in the bottom five states. Such jobs grew by less than 0.1% from 2018 to 2025 in Illinois, compared with a national rate of over 6%.

In the three years after the pandemic, the number of businesses leaving Illinois tripled, including  Caterpillar and Citadel moving their headquarters out of the state.

Some will absolve Pritzker of responsibility on this metric and point toward the overarching trend of lagging Midwestern job growth. That ignores the fact that the number of private-sector jobs in the rest of the Midwest grew 2.7 times faster than in Illinois.

Read more here.

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Stop Stacking Costs on Illinois Small Businesses

Posted in Cost of Living, Daily Herald, Economy, Letters to the Editor, Overhead, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Resident Spotlights, Springfield, Taxes on August 31, 2026| 1 Comment »

 

Daily Herald Letter to the Editor

Illinois is home to more than 1.2 million small businesses. Small businesses create jobs, serve their communities, and drive economic growth across the state. To keep that momentum going, Illinois must foster a business and legal climate where a small business can continue to succeed.

Lawsuit abuse has become a major driver of the rising cost of doing business in Illinois. As owner of my new business, American General Storage and part of my family’s 60-year-old manufacturing company, Stanley Machining & Tool, I’ve seen firsthand the many obstacles that can jeopardize a company’s growth. Success becomes harder to sustain as lawmakers continue to add new costs and legal risks onto small business owners.

Last year, Gov. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 328 into law, which now opens Illinois courts to hear cases with out-of-state plaintiffs and defendants. From policies like this one that expose Illinois businesses to more lawsuits, to higher taxes and rising costs, small-business owners are being asked to absorb one added expense after another. Even worse, recent worker’s compensation legislation  threatens to add yet another layer of litigation risk for employers. For small businesses, these costs add up very quickly.

Illinois lawmakers should give small businesses a fair chance to invest, grow, and support their communities. That starts with addressing lawsuit abuse, which is rising costs and making it harder to do business in Illinois.

Karen Trzaska, Barrington

Source

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The Stunning Rise of the Democratic Socialists of America

Posted in 220, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, DARCHED, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, League of Women Voters, News Media, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, School Districts, Taxes, The New Normal?, The New York Times, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Daily | The New York Times

This summer, the Democratic Socialists of America have mounted their biggest and most successful attempt yet to redefine the Democratic Party. They have defeated its candidates in primary after primary from coast to coast.

As its electoral success grows, the organization is confronting big, unresolved questions about what it stands for and what level of compromise is required to become a lasting political force.

Charles Homans, who talked to more than 30 D.S.A. candidates, organizers, members and volunteers across the countries, discusses the rise and limitations of the D.S.A.

Guest: Charles Homans writes about national politics for The New York Times and The Times Magazine.

The link to the podcast can be found here.

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Pritzker record: Illinois loses tens of thousands of residents during his tenure

Posted in Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes on August 26, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Illinois’ population has shrunk under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s leadership and is predicted to fall further.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

While population growth is a basic measure of effective governance, tens of thousands of people have left Illinois under Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The state’s outmigration challenge is expected to worsen, with Illinois projected to lose 600,000 residents by 2033, driven by a drop of 450,000 in Illinois’ prime-working-age population.

And from 2020 to 2025, Illinois’ population of residents under 20 fell by 6.8%, more than three times faster than the national average of 2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Net loss of 168,000

Since 2018, the state has lost a net of more than 168,000 residents, or over 1% of its population. Illinois ranks 48th in population growth rate among the 50 states.

The rest of the Midwest grew by 2.1% during the same time period.

Of the nearly 83,000 residents who left in 2024, almost all of them went to states with lower taxes. Florida alone claimed a net of over 11,000 Illinois residents that year, while a net of nearly 37,000 left for Illinois’ neighbor states.

Pritzker’s second term has seen a slight uptick in population, largely because of international migration. Without that boost, Illinois’ total would have declined in 2025.

Report continues here.

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Village Board of Trustees meet tonight

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Big Red, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Economy, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Finance Committee, Flock Cameras, Heritage and Environs Committee, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lennie, One Barrington Hills, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board on August 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM.

The only item of significance on their agenda appears to be recognition of William Walsh for 33 years of service. A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.

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Report: Illinois tops nation in debt ratio

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, IDOT, Illinois Tollway, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Springfield, The Center Square, Unions on August 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

According to a new report on financial red flags, Illinois has a higher debt ratio than any other state and Chicago is the most financially tenuous place in America.

Reason Foundation used audited financial reports from state governments and the nation’s 100 largest cities, counties and school districts to evaluate them in eight measures of financial health.

Reason Foundation Research Director Geoff Lawrence said Illinois is way upside down, with a debt ratio of 276%.

“It has way more debt than assets, $80 billion in total assets versus $220 billion in debt, so if you were to try to liquidate all of the state’s assets to pay off all its debts, it would be impossible,” Lawrence told The Center Square.

The report also flagged Illinois for liabilities per capita and unrestricted net position.

Lawrence said Chicago residents are facing heavy city and county debt on top of federal and state debt.

“In addition to what you owe to the federal government in terms of outstanding debt per citizen, you owe substantial amounts as well to every level of local government,” Lawrence said, adding that the city continues to dig the hole.

“They outspent revenues by about $580 million in the last year for which we have data,” Lawrence said.

Read on here.

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Illinois among worst in U.S. for population growth, job growth, wage growth

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield on August 15, 2026| 1 Comment »

The state lags in several economic metrics as the governor runs for a third term.

By Bryce Hill and Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois ranks among the worst in the country on several economic metrics.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is up for re-election Nov. 3.

Population

Illinois still is suffering from people moving out. Since 2018, the state’s has lost more than 168,000 residents, or over 1% of its population.

Illinois ranks 48th among the 50 states in both population growth rate and total population growth.

Pritzker’s second term has seen a slight uptick, largely because of international migration. Without that boost, Illinois’ population would have declined in 2025. Even so, Illinois ranks only 39th in population growth rate from 2023 to 2025.

Unemployment

Poor job growth in part explains the large number of Illinoisians who can’t find work. Illinois’ unemployment rate was 5.1% in June, when over 300,000 residents were looking for work. The rate higher than the 4.6% when Pritzker took office in 2019 and considerably higher than the national average of 4.1% in July, which has been typical under Pritzker.

Report continues here.

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Things to do Aug. 7-13: McHenry County Fair, Smoke & Irons Music Fest, Warrenville Summer Daze and more

Posted in Economy, Topics Of Interest on August 7, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Aug. 7

McHenry County Fair: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock. Nearly 100 acres of animals, food, music and entertainment. Single day $10/$5; $30 season pass. mchenrycountyfair.com/tickets.

Lake Zurich Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Henry J. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Fresh produce, baked goods, sauces, spices, honey, cheese, eggs, meats and more. With live music, pop-up events, kids’ activities and more. Free. lakezurich.org/366/Farmers-Market.

Jamboree Days: 4:30-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Carpenter Park, 275 Maple Ave., Carpentersville. Live music, local food trucks, vendors and family-friendly activities. Music lineup: Friday: Scuba-Kin at 4:30 p.m., Mike Wheeler Band at 5:30 p.m., The Outfit at 7:30 p.m., and Buckcherry at 9 p.m.; and Saturday: Sparks Fly: The Taylor Swift Experience at 2 p.m., Lewzinit (rock and pop with a twist of blues) at 4:30 p.m., The Buckinghams at 6:30 p.m., and The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik at 8 p.m.

Smoke & Irons Music Fest: 4-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Apple Orchard Community Park, 620 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. Live music, food trucks, beer tasting, craft show, bags tournament and more. Music lineup: Friday: Eli Howard & The Greater Good at 4 p.m., The Filthy Heathens at 5:30 p.m., Sam Morrow at 7 p.m. and Rob Leines at 9 p.m.; and Saturday: Evan Stock Band at 1 p.m., Matt Keen at 2:30 p.m., Andy Thomas at 4 p.m., Jive Mother Mary at 5:30 p.m., Ben Chapman at 7 p.m. and The Band Feel at 9 p.m. Proceeds benefit Ignite the Courage, a nonprofit charity created and run by Bartlett firefighters. Admission for 21 and older is $10; free for 20 and younger. ignitethecourage.org/musicfest

Robbie Fulks will appear with Griffin William Sherry Friday, Aug. 7, at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake. | Raue Center for the Arts

Robbie Fulks & Griffin William Sherry Showcase: 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. American roots music. $22.40-$36. rauecenter.org

Windy City Comedy Fest: Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9, at various locations in Chicago. Shows, clinics with industry professionals, and networking events for comedians and fans. Scheduled performers include Shane Torres, Em Brown, Bob Keen, Joey Reilly and more. Tickets vary. windycitycomedyfest.com.

Saturday, Aug. 8

Dundee Depot Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Vintage finds, handmade goods, bakery goods and locally crafted products. Free. eastdundee.net

Fox Lake Cardboard Boat Race: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 8, at Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake. Build a cardboard boat to race against others. Prizes for fastest, fastest sinking and best design. $15 boat registration only, $30 registration and kit. foxlake.org.

Uncaged in the Zoo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Lords Park Zoo, off Grand Boulevard, Elgin. See live animals up close with Incredible Bats! Animals Around The World. Free. elginil.gov.

AREA 22 Arts, Crafts & Oddities Fair: 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, on Riverside Drive in downtown Elgin. Presented by Side Street Studio Arts, this outdoor art fair showcases fine art, handmade goods and eclectic “oddities” from regional artists, live art and sculpture demonstrations, music and entertainment, and food and drink vendors. Family-friendly and pet-friendly. Free admission and parking. Rain or shine. sidestreetstudioarts.org/area22.

Irish Fest: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Dance performances by the Hogan Irish Dancers, bagpiping, live music with Galway Gals and The Messengers, food and beverages for purchase, a Wee Ones Fun Zone and more. Free. ahpd.org/event/irish-fest.

Navy Pier Summer Fireworks: 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Fireworks set to music. Free. navypier.org/summer-fireworks.

Sunday, Aug. 9

Crystal Lake Farmers Market+ At The Dole: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, on the front lawn of the Dole Mansion, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake. Food vendors, live music, kids’ activities, beverages, food trucks and more. farmersmarketatthedole.org.

Hoffman Estates Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, in the parking lot of Vistex, off Barrington Road and Route 72, Hoffman Estates. Local vendors selling home decor, jewelry, blankets, clothes and more. Rain or shine. facebook.com/thebloomingdalemakersmarket.

See cultural performances during the International Festival in Wheeling’s Heritage Park Performance Pavilion Sunday, Aug. 9. | Rick West/Daily Herald

International Festival: 1-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 201 Community Blvd., Wheeling. Live performances, activities and ethnic foods. Meet local organizations that support diverse populations. Free. wheelinginternationalfestival.com.

Monday, Aug. 10

Motor Monday Cruise Night: 5 p.m. to dusk Monday, Aug. 10, at The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Cars and trucks of various makes and models. In partnership with the Midwest Racing Preservation Association. Free. eastdundee.net.

Tuesday, Aug. 11

Adventures in the Zoo: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Lords Park Zoo, 207 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Program theme is Extirpated Illinois. Free. elginil.gov.

Wednesday, Aug. 12

Celebrate Highwood’s Garlic Fest offers an array of garlic delicacies Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Everts Park in Highwood. | Celebrate Highwood

Garlic Fest: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Live music, family-friendly activities, and sweet and savory garlic creations, including garlic-infused chocolate, cookies, ice cream, cupcakes, cocktails, pastas, sandwiches, sauces, spreads and more. Free. celebratehighwood.org/garlic-fest.

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market: 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood. Over 60 vendors and A Tribute to Old Blue Eyes performs from 6-9 p.m. Free. celebratehighwood.org.

Wine Down Wednesdays: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee. Live music by Billy Elton, drinks and food. Free. eastdundee.net.

Wickstrom Lincoln Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Arboretum of South Barrington, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Mike & Joe will perform. Free. shopthearb.com.

Thursday, Aug. 13

69th annual Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 13-16, at the Taylor Marshall Farm, 27707 Lukens Road, off Plank Road, Sycamore. Hosted by the Northern Illinois Steam Power Club. All of the engines whistle at noon. Parade at 1:30 p.m. daily. See steam engines, gas engines, antique car display, World War II display, lawn and garden tractor display, windmills, and demos on threshing/baling, corn shelling and flour mills. Also, fresh produce, flea market, FFA zoo, live music and Fay’s BBQ. $10, $5 for seniors on Thursday, and free for kids younger than 12. sycamoresteamshow.com.

Barrington Thursday Night Out: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the BMO Lot, 210 W. Station St., Barrington. Local vendors, classic cars, live music, family activities and more. Free. barrington-il.gov/events/thursday-night-out

Taylor Street Little Italy Festa: 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 13-14, on Taylor Street between Ashland Avenue and Throop Street, Chicago. Celebration of local Italian culture with food, stages of continuous family entertainment, merchandise from Italy and colorful cultural attractions. Free. arcadalive.com.

Long Grove Music in the Park: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, in Covered Bridge Park, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Rachel Faul will perform. Free. longgrove.org.

Summer Concerts at Phil’s Beach: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Phil’s Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda. Better With Bacon will perform. Free. waucondaparks.com.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. Motown Nation will perform. Free. vah.com/explore/sounds_of_summer_concerts.php.

Summer Sounds on the Green Concert Series: 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Village Green, 5510 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Second Hand News will perform. Food and beverages for sale. Free. hoffmanestatesarts.com/summer-concert-series

Ongoing

Bristol Renaissance Faire: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day through Sept. 7 at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin. 16th-century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, characters and more. $48, $45 for 62 and older and military with ID, $23 for kids 5-12, and free for kids 4 and younger. renfair.com/bristol.

Morton Arboretum walking play: 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Aug. 16, starting at Thornhill Shelter at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs approximately 90 minutes and includes a 1.5-mile walk, with no intermission. Suitable for all ages, with some crass humor and romantic situations. $27 for 18 and older, $17 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/walking-plays.

Find much more here.

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Illinois’ first-in-U.S. crypto transaction tax applies even to losing trades

Posted in BOHICA, Economy, Elections, Fat Bastard, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way, The New Normal? on July 16, 2026| 1 Comment »

The tax also risks being challenged in court.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois’ new tax on digital asset transactions risks hurting trading volume and market liquidity, making the state unfriendly for the industry and prompting legal battles.

The fiscal 2027 state budget, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed in June, puts a 0.2% tax on the value of transactions in assets such as NFTs, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, starting Jan. 1. Such transactions include exchanges, transfers or custodial services.

It’s the first such tax in the country. Affected businesses include crypto exchanges, trades, wallet and custody providers holding customer assets and firms transmitting digital assets between accounts. The law applies to any digital asset broker with a place of business in Illinois and to any brokers that gross $100,000 or more in annual digital asset receipts with Illinois residents.

Compliance will require brokers to collect and retain customers’ personal online transaction history, account information, mailing address, IP address and other data to indicate Illinois is the customer’s place of primary use.

Because the tax targets transactions rather than profits, brokers must collect it even when a trade loses money or when assets are transferred between accounts. For gains, the new tax will be an addition to Illinois’ current 4.95% individual income tax, which applies to capital gains.

Lawmakers expect the tax to generate $60 million a year.

Read more here.

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Illinois’ per-pupil spending 7th-highest in U.S., but outcomes shaky

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois Policy Institute, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on July 14, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Spending was $25,000 per student in 2022-23, almost $5,000 above the national average.

By Jessica Rehberg | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois spends more per public school student than nearly every other state.

During the 2022-23 school year, the state spent $25,000 per student, adjusted to 2024 dollars, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s almost $5,000 more than the U.S. average of $20,039 per student. The figure includes local and state money.

Illinois’ spending ranked seventh-highest in the nation and highest in the Midwest. Despite that, the state has struggled to show strong academic outcomes.

In the 2024-25 school year, only about half of Illinois public school students in grades 3 to 8 and in 11th grade met state reading proficiency standards. In math, just 39% were proficient.

The poor results were much more pronounced in some groups. Low-income students scored 16 to 19 percentage points below the statewide average in both reading and math.

Among Black students, 32% of those in grades 3 to 8 and 26% of 11th-graders were proficient in reading, while 14% to 15% met proficiency standards in math.

For Hispanic students, 39% to 41% were proficient in reading and 24% to 25% proficient in math across grades 3-8 and 11th grade.

These figures come after the Illinois State Board of Education lowered its proficiency benchmarks in 2025 and made student performance appear stronger on paper.

Report continues here.

Editorial note: States spending the same of more than Illinois are New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey.

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