December Flash Index Shows Slow, Steady Recovery For Illinois Economy

URBANA – The Illinois economy continued its slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in December, according to the University of Illinois Flash Index. The monthly report measured the state’s economy at 95.9 in December, up from 95.6 in October and November. The number shows an improvement in the state economy since the Flash Index dropped […]
Affordable Child Care Critical To Recovery, Women’s Economic Prospects, Says U Of I Economist

CHAMPAIGN – The child care industry, like many others, has been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many day care centers and home-based child care providers were forced to either close or reduce their capacity as states implemented stay-home orders to slow the spread of the virus. As businesses slowly reopen, lack of access to […]
Child Advocates Concerned About Decrease In Calls To Child Abuse Hotline

SPRINGFIELD – In the months after the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools in Illinois to be closed, calls to the state’s child abuse and neglect hotline dropped significantly. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said in a statement June 1 that calls to report suspected abuse and neglect are down by 57% compared to […]
U Of I Report: COVID-19 Has Created Challenges, Highlighted Inequities Within Health Care System

A new report from the University of Illinois’ Institute for Government and Public Affairs identifies several ways the COVID-19 pandemic is creating challenges for health care workers and health care facilities. The report, which is part of an initiative from the U of I System to convene dozens of faculty experts to study how COVID-19 […]
Fretwell Wilson Discusses New Leadership Post At IGPA

URBANA – The University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs has a new director. Robin Fretwell Wilson begins her new role leading the U of I system’s public policy research institute in a designate capacity on Feb. 16, and the Board of Trustees will vote on her appointment at its March 12th meeting.