Patrick Andriesen

1 week ago | illinoispolicy.org | Patrick Andriesen

Illinois companies announced 947 mass layoffs in March. All but 21 of the job cuts were permanent. Illinois companies announced 947 mass layoffs during March, with over one-third concentrated at a Chicago security firm. Of the 947 Illinois mass layoffs, 618 hit Chicago after six companies cut workers. The closure of security services provider Inter-Con Security Systems Inc. accounts for more than half of the Chicago layoffs and over one-third of the statewide tally.

2 weeks ago | illinoispolicy.org | Patrick Andriesen

The “Homeschool Act” adds taxpayer costs and exposes families’ religion and private information – all in the name of curbing child neglect and abuse. Trouble is, a survey showed state lawmakers are targeting the students where they are least at risk. The “Homeschool Act” adds taxpayer costs and exposes families’ religion and private information – all in the name of curbing child neglect and abuse.

3 weeks ago | illinoispolicy.org | Patrick Andriesen

Illinois will impose the nation’s seventh-highest state and local tax burden on residents in 2025. Taxpayers on average will pay over 10% of their annual income to support government, according to WalletHub. Tax Day is coming, but the income tax represents just one of the many taxes Illinois will impose as part of the nation’s seventh-highest state and local tax burden in 2025.

4 weeks ago | illinoispolicy.org | Patrick Andriesen

Typical property tax bill increased 78% on a Cook County residence since 2007. Median property values only rose 7.3%. That leaves residents paying $2,558 more a year in property taxes while their biggest investment fails to keep up with inflation. The typical Cook County condominium or single-family homeowner paid 78% more in property taxes in 2024 than they spent in 2007, despite median property values only rising 7.3%.

4 weeks ago | illinoispolicy.org | Patrick Andriesen

Chicagoans reported the highest number of aggravated batteries through February in the past five years, with Black residents accounting for 3 in 5 victims. Chicago saw a five-year high for aggravated batteries during the 12 months through February, with Black residents accounting for more than 3 in 5 victims. Analysis of Chicago Police data shows residents reported 27,547 violent crimes from March 2024 through February 2025, the second most of the five-year period.