(SPRINGFIELD) The National Federation of Independent Business Employment Index dropped nearly one (1) point in January, to 101.6. While the index remained above the historical average of 100 and slightly above the 2025 average of 101.2, almost a third of the small business owners in Illinois (31%) reported job openings they could not fill in January. NFIB Illinois State officials say the workforce challenges in Illinois remain a primary hurdle for small businesses.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office made $1.5 billion in investment earnings from the state’s investment portfolio during 2025. With most of the investment activity in secure local government bonds and prime money market funds, the investment earnings are crucial as they help the state avoid raising additional taxes or cutting services. State officials say the office is trying to maximize earnings while the federal government is taking money away from Illinois.
(SPRINGFIELD) Gas prices have dropped across the nation in recent months, but the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association is warning that higher prices may be on the way in the Land of Lincoln. Illinois and five other Midwestern states opted out of a federal waiver regarding the weight of E10 gasoline, hoping the federal government would require year-round sales of E15. But now with that move by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the IFRA says Illinois is now stuck in the middle of a fight between the refining and the ethanol industries, which is not good for prices.