Grow Up.

We’re sick of the dysfunction in Illinois.

As someone who was born after 1981, I am considered a “millennial.” Last summer, my generation became the largest cohort in America.

We outnumber all other generations, but still it often seems that elected officials in Springfield have little concern for our general well-being.

Millennials tend to think that the government should be more involved in making college affordable, helping the poor, and creating jobs. We care about equality – both economic and social. And a smaller share of us sees a real difference between the Republicans and the Democrats.

So let’s just take a quick look at how Illinois is faring on those policy issues – college affordability, helping the poor, job creation, and equality. Continue reading “Grow Up.”

Federal Income Taxes for Illinois Workers

Frank Manzo IV is the Policy Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI). Visit ILEPI at www.illinoisepi.org or follow ILEPI on Twitter @illinoisEPI. A July 8, 2014 Economic Commentary by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute investigates the effective tax rates paid by Illinois workers across occupations. The study– Illinois Federal Income Taxes: By Occupation, 2011-2013 [PDF]– finds five key takeaways: The majority of workers in Illinois (60 percent) pay federal income taxes; The average effective federal income tax rate for all Illinois workers is 13 percent (but 21 percent for only those workers with any federal income tax liability); The average effective … Continue reading Federal Income Taxes for Illinois Workers