Illinois: taxing away business, jobs

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TAX CLIMATE Has Illinois created a hostile environment for business and jobs through its tax system? The Tax Foundation thinks so. Illinois was the 17th most business-friendly state in 2011. See how far we've fallen and the Tax Foundation's opinion why intoday's chart. Click here!

BIZ TAX Illinois raised the income tax rate for businesses in 2011. We compare the corporate tax rate in Illinois to that of our neighbors in this infographic. How big an obstacle this has been to business/job growth in Illinois has been the topic of much debate. As you view the infographic, keep in mind that when the tax increase was passed in January 2011, Illinois was a mere .3 of a percentage point above the national unemployment rate. Today we're a full 1.9 points higher. Click here to view.

CARTOON CLASSIC Thinking about Illinois' business taxes and unemployment got us thinking about this cartoon from the Chicago Tribune's Scott Stantis earlier this year. Stantis draws up his own Midwest business map, with some political commentary mixed in. Click here to see the whole thing.

FALLING OFF THE HONOR ROLL Illinois is one of 10 states that requires all high school students to take the ACT college aptitude exam. When our students' test scores are compared only with the other nine states with an ACT requirement, Illinois scores pretty well. That changes when you compare Illinois' ACT scores to other Midwestern states and nationally. Illinois for several years has been following a national trend of falling scores on the ACT. This isn't good news for the state or the country. We have to do better preparing our students for college and the workforce. See the evidence in today's infographic.

AROUND THE STATE Here's what's making news in Illinois today:

• 5. Opinion: If Illinois voters truly are fed up with the government, they should sign up to join the “Yes for Independent Maps” campaign. (Peoria Journal Star)
  4. Opinion: In Illinois, most of the political races aren’t competitive. (Southtown Star)
  3. Illinois will face more tax incentive demands in the future because of the high corporate tax rate. (Tax Foundation)
  2. Gov. Pat Quinn’s office has once again suspended funding to Chicago charter school operator United Neighborhood Organization. (Chicago Sun-Times)
  1. A key regional planning committee has approved of plans for the Illiana Expressway. (Chicago Tribune)n

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