March 12 marked two years since Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposed some of the nation’s strictest COVID-19 mandates, creating uneven rules that favored large over small businesses. Many Illinois business owners had to close shop permanently, while others are finding ways to reinvent their business. How is the Illinois jobs recovery now two years into the pandemic? Bryce Hill explains more on the Policy Shop.

Lots of businesses tried to get started during 2021 in Illinois, but the ones that create jobs had a tough time launching. That’s why Illinois unemployment remains high and salaries depressed during a national labor shortage. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to explain.

The number one fiscal priority for Illinois lawmakers is something most aren’t talking about: refilling the trust fund for unemployment insurance. Otherwise, small businesses face another tax hike after a grueling two years in which many businesses struggled and failed. The best way to prevent a large tax hike on businesses is to use what is left of the American Rescue Fund Act money. Adam Schuster explains more on the Policy Shop.

On Monday, Feb. 28, Illinois’ mask mandate will end. Pritzker exempted schools from that end date, but legislators and the courts have stepped in, effectively ending the school mask mandate.

One thing that won’t end? The governor’s one-man executive authority.

Chicago property taxes nearly doubled over the past decade. This hurts homeowners and renters alike, as rents in Chicago have increased by 8.5%. What’s driving the problem (public pensions) and how do we fix it? Orphe Divounguy joins The Policy Shop to explain.