The current economic recession has put a strain on the Illinois unemployment fund. In order to increase the money available, taxes that businesses pay into the fund would have to be increased. Many employers claim that this will drive them out of business, and propose a reduction in benefits to control costs. Worker advocacy groups oppose any reduction in benefits, and argue that tax cuts under the "pay-as you-go system" are what need to be changed.
See "Labor, business seek agreement on jobless fund", T. Shawn Taylor, Chicago Tribune, June 10, 2003