Illinois’ relative business tax climate is continuing a fairly steep decline, even before the impact of last year’s income-tax hike is included, according to a study released today by an economic research consultancy. According to a report by Anderson Economic Group, the relative total state-and-local tax burden for a company doing business in Illinois slipped from 32nd to 35th in the latest annual ranking. And it’s down from 25th four years ago, moving the state from about in the middle to among the higher-taxation states. Notably the study is based on data from fiscal 2016, so

Nonfarm payrolls increased by +8,600 jobs over-the-month, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The April job gain was revised down slightly from its initial report to show a smaller gain. (+2,500 jobs versus +4,700 jobs).

“Built to fail.”

Comment: The headline should by “Why politicians shouldn’t be running retirement plans.” In explaining why the city should issue a huge new general obligation bond to fund pensions, Councilman Joe Scarbeary, also an active member of the Streator Fire Department, said Berwyn’s mayor told him, “If you’re not doing it, you’re crazy. It’s free money.”