When Illinois voters go to the ballot in November, many will find that they only have one candidate listed on their ballot for some offices. Illinois has a larger percentage of these uncontested races for its state legislature than many other states that are similar in population size.
The Flash Index to the Illinois economy fell to 105.5 in December, from its November level of 106.1. Any reading above 100 reflects economic growth. But the December reading was the lowest in 2015 --- in fact the lowest reading since March, 2013.
Jamey Dunn talks with economist Richard Dye, co-author of a University of Illinois report with recommended policy changes to avoid the next state budget crisis.
The Flash Index dropped from an August 2015 reading of 106.5 to 106.0 in September, the lowest reading since August, 2014, but still an indicator of steady economic growth in Illinois.
Political analyst Christopher Mooney says inaction on taxes, pensions and other financial issues paved the way, but he says the current standoff is as much about political personalities as it is policy.
