The University of Illinois’ Flash Index, a measure of the overall performance of the Illinois economy, recently reported an increase after four straight months of decline. The Flash index is “the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending, and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income, andContinue reading “U of I Flash Index shows uptick in Illinois economy for May”
Author Archives: prairiestatepolicyllc
The economics of Chicago’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Italian beef sandwiches have been a staple of Chicago cuisine, but with the popularity of the tv show The Bear it has elevated its presence on the national scene. So much so that there has been a growing appetite within the General Assembly to make it the national sandwich of Illinois. The origin of theContinue reading “The economics of Chicago’s Italian Beef Sandwich”
Hello NITA, Goodbye RTA
The Illinois General Assembly has adjourned from the Spring Legislative Session and one of the newest governmental entities that was created is the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). Established under Public Act 104-0457, the NITA replaces the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) beginning on September 1st, 2026, and will oversee the three main transit entities – Continue reading “Hello NITA, Goodbye RTA”
The Dow turned 130 years old. Here are some Illinois based companies formally part of the Index
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, a price-weighted stock market index tracking 30 large companies listed on U.S. exchanges, turned 130 years old on May 26. Currently, there are no Illinois based companies listed on the Index. However, there have been some notables over the years. Kraft Foods Most Americans grew up recognizing the iconic blue-boxedContinue reading “The Dow turned 130 years old. Here are some Illinois based companies formally part of the Index”
Memorial Day Weekend Gas Tracker
The average price for gas in the United States is currently above $4.50, with some states posting higher amounts than others. This has been the highest recorded since the summer of 2022. Here in Illinois, gas prices are on the higher end – nearly approaching $5.00 on average. However, because most of the population inContinue reading “Memorial Day Weekend Gas Tracker “
Illinois lagged behind rest of nation in manufacturing output in April
Federal Reserve data recently reported that industrial production in the United States increased 0.6 percent in the month of April. Remarkably, this was the fourth straight month showing a gain. While this news presents optimism for the nation as a whole, recent data from the Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index (CPMI) indicates a contraction of theContinue reading “Illinois lagged behind rest of nation in manufacturing output in April”
The enigma of high prices and consumer spending
A recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that prices increased 0.6 percent in the month of April, mainly due to oil supply disruptions from the War in Iran. At that pace, prices are expected to increase by about 3.8 percent annually. The growing concern isn’t just how high prices (especially gasContinue reading “The enigma of high prices and consumer spending”
April economic numbers for the Illinois economy
The University of Illinois’ Flash Index, a measure of the overall performance of the Illinois economy, recently reported a decline for the fourth month in a row. The Flash index is “the weighted average of Illinois growth rates in corporate earnings, consumer spending, and personal income as estimated from receipts for corporate income, individual income,Continue reading “April economic numbers for the Illinois economy”
Federal Reforms Are Badly Needed
By: Lou Gale Our federal constitution dates back to the 18th Century. By comparison, the Illinois Constitution dates all the way back to 1977, when I was just three years old. That fact alone indicates our nation needs a constitutional refresher. Congressman Sean Casten recently released a package of government reforms called a Common SenseContinue reading “Federal Reforms Are Badly Needed”
Why Run for Office
[The following was originally published on 9/9/19 and then updated 8/29/2022] By: Lou Gale I’m not sure who said it, but democracy is not a spectator sport. A similar sentiment was more eloquently said by Teddy Roosevelt, who said that the average citizen must be a good citizen if our republic is to succeed. Continue reading “Why Run for Office”
Prairie State Policy 