How will Illinois respond: acknowledge that the current Administration is unwilling to provide direct support and offer local funding solutions or continue to hold out for broader federal aid? Continue reading “President Trump’s Proposed Infrastructure Plan: The Shift to Local Funding and Illinois’ Response”
Interstate 80 near Joliet is a prime example of a roadway in desperate need of improvements. Built in the 1960s as an original portion of the interstate highway system, it is a crucial east-west corridor for both the Chicago region and the nation. However, inadequate infrastructure funding on both the state and federal levels has left travelers in the lurch, subjecting them to not only the inconvenience of congestion and an inefficient roadway, but also safety issues. Continue reading “I-80: Exemplifying the Need for Infrastructure Investment”
Thursday Community Town Hall Meeting Convened State and Local Leaders to Discuss Local Highway Infrastructure Needs Joliet: As highlighted at a Thursday Town Hall meeting in Joliet – where state transportation leaders gathered to discuss Will County’s highway infrastructure needs – an Illinois … Continue reading New Study Says I-80 Near Joliet in “Desperate Need” of Repairs, Improvement
Economic development subsidies should create jobs, increase wages, and promote positive economic growth, but these goals do not consistently prevail. Continue reading “Reforms Needed to Ensure Accountability in Economic Development Subsidies”
Subsidies play a prominent role in economic development policy at both the state and local levels in Illinois, yet subsidy policies continue to lack the strict scrutiny they deserve. Continue reading “Economic Development Subsidies Not Consistent with Socio-Economic Needs”
Since 1985, state and local governments in Illinois have doled out at least $5 billion in economic development subsidies. In particular, three companies have received over $900 million from Illinois taxpayers: Sears, Mitsubishi Motors, and Motorola. In these three cases, employment eventually fell and plants even closed despite the massive amounts of money provided. Continue reading “Illinois Has Doled Out $5 Billion in Corporate Subsidies Since 1985”
NEW Study: A protracted shutdown of planned road and bridge projects could shrink the Illinois economy by nearly $2 billion on net, eliminate 23,000 jobs, and cost taxpayers up to $270 million over the next year. Continue reading “IDOT Shutdown Could Cost 23,000 Jobs and Hundreds of Millions of Dollars”
The proposed extension of Route 53/120 will bring jobs to Lake County and improve overall transportation movements for residents by alleviating traffic congestion. These improvements will make Lake County more attractive to prospective businesses, which will provide significant economic benefits. Construction of the Route 53/120 extension will actually provide a net benefit to the local economy and improve the quality of life for Lake County residents.
Indiana is well-positioned to improve its transportation infrastructure. Providing further investment in the network would support business growth and a thriving economy. Continue reading “HB 1002: Investing in Indiana’s Future”
A thriving economy is dependent upon affordable, low-carbon energy. As nuclear energy currently serves as a pillar of electricity production in Illinois and is emission-free, it should be looked upon to serve as the foundation of future clean energy. A Policy Brief [PDF] by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute explores nuclear energy’s role in Illinois’ energy future. State policymakers should carefully consider the path to reaching future emissions standards and the ramifications of nuclear plant retirements. Continue reading “Nuclear Energy is the Foundation for a Clean Energy Future in Illinois”
A change is undoubtedly upon Illinois’ energy sector. As illustrated in a new Economic Commentary by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, the recent proliferation of natural gas, the development of renewable energy policies at both the federal and state level, and increased regulations on coal should inspire the state to pursue alternative energy sources to address the state’s energy production deficit and support the environment. Continue reading “Illinois’ Changing Energy Sector”
The Illinois Update 