JOBS Illinois supplements its overall July 4.5% unemployment report with report on metro areas. The follow-up July report breaks out Illinois’ joblessness numbers with numbers from 14 key metro areas…

Make Your Voice Heard There are many policy issues that legislators must consider each year that impact veterans. I would be honored to hear from local veterans and active military…

After months-long discussions with stakeholders, including crime victim advocates and law enforcement professionals, our Truth in Public Safety (TIPS) working group introduced measures in the form of legislation that focus on three…

CRIMINAL LAW Organized retail theft an increasing threat to Illinois bricks-and-mortar retailers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates the cost of Illinois retail theft at more than $4 billion per year….

The professional licensure system in Illinois is antiquated and outdated, and as a result industry professionals from nurses to barbers to roofers can experience wait periods of three to nine…

n 1988, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21 as a day to recognize the older adults in our lives and honor senior citizens across our nation. From the proclamation: “For…

Youth apprenticeships provide multiple career pathway opportunities for high school students in Illinois. Students enrolled in these programs have the opportunity to enter the workforce upon graduation, or they could enroll in…

With at least 165 wineries and over 100 miles of wine trails, the wine industry in Illinois is thriving and the growth has been exponential in the last 30 years….

As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It’s important to remember – and share with your children –…

STATE GOVERNMENT Watchdog report indicates massive failure of maintenance in Illinois’ prison system. The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) operates 27 correctional facilities throughout the state. Ranging up to maximum…