In many states run by progressives such as Oregon, California and Illinois, government, healthcare and social assistance account for more than all of the net new jobs. That means those states are losing jobs in other industries. Illinois has added about 52,000 jobs in government, healthcare and social assistance over the last year—about double the number of its overall new jobs.

“We had a deadline, we still had a few weeks to finish the work that we started and this bill completely stopped us in our tracks,” said Leslie Collazo, a small business owner, was eying to be slated as a Republican for the 8th House District. No Republican ran in the primary in her district, and State Rep. La Shawn Ford ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Many Americans are fed up with the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have proliferated on college campuses and in the workplace. These programs fixate on identity over objectivity and excellence. But despite the backlash, DEI advocates haven’t given up. In Illinois, lawmakers want to embed racial considerations into state appropriations for public universities.

Under the new law, local political party organizations can no longer appoint candidates to fill out legislative ballots where the party did not field a primary candidate. Previous law allowed the appointment process within 75 days of the primary. The measure takes effect immediately.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker unexpectedly moved away last week from his longstanding opposition to taxing services, saying he didn’t want to start taking ideas off the table as lawmakers search for ways to fund and reform the Chicago region’s mass transit system.

Lawmakers have filed legislation calling for a referendum to be placed on the November ballot. The plan would create an additional 3% tax on individuals whose income is above $1 million a year. The money would go toward helping Illinois homeowners pay their property taxes.