http://www.illinoispolicy.org The Illinois Policy Institute is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to supporting free market principles and liberty-based public policy initiatives for a better Illinois. en-us http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2243 More taxes or less government expense. Those are the choices. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2244 Various state agencies spent over half a million dollars on registration fees and conference expenses in 2008 and 2009. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Transportation were among the agencies that spent the most. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2245 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2246 The Village of Allendale, and its 482 citizens, received around $225,000.00 in funding from the State in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2247 There is no end to those who know how we should live and are willing to use government force to get us there. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2249 A bill to implement stronger income verification requirements for those seeking to enroll in Medicaid failed today in the Illinois House. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2250 Is tax credits for new jobs good policy? Do credits work? Are there better options? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2251 A bill targeting online retailers like Amazon.com is moving through the Illinois Senate. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2236 State agencies spent more than $60K on educational and instructional materials and supplies in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2238 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2239 The Department of Commerce spent $2,464 on lighting for the Ethnic Village at the 2008 state fair http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2224 CPS takes a small step. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2229 Transparency coming to Quincy? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2230 The Department of Employment Security spent $3,000 for a subscription to an economic forecasting service from Global Insight Inc. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2231 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2232 The Department of Employment Security spent over $50K printing the IDES Unemployment Insurance Benefits Handbook in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2233 Another reason why we need transparency in government spending. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2234 Power corrupts. An argument against giving up too much power. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2235 Updated information for an article on the http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2219 Canada begins to discuss how their health care system isn't working. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2221 The Department of Employment Security spent over $10,000 for information and analysis on the state's labor force. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2222 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2223 The Department of Public Health spent over $1 million for http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2210 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2211 The Governor spent over $100K on rent and other expenses for his DC office. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2212 The Department of Commerce gave Prairie State Power Company $2,340,000 in grant money during a three month period from October 2008 through January 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2213 The Chicago Tribune ran a great piece covering Sen. James Meeks' efforts on bring vouchers to students in struggling schools in Chicago: http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2215 Stay abreast of legislator tweets at www.TweetIllinois.org. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2220 What happened to that deadline? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2204 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2205 The Department of Commerce gave Siemens a $1 million grant in fiscal year 2009 to help finance the construction of a new manufacturing plant. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2206 The Department of Employment Security spent over $46K on brochures for Tele-Serve, the telephone hot-line that assists individuals applying for unemployment benefits. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2183 From Haiti to Illinois to Canada, meet the new boss; same as the old boss. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2189 Don't want health care reform the Obama way? Too bad. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2202 What happens if the government decides not to back up its promise? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2198 The Department of Commerce gave $5,000 to an organization in Carlinville, Illinois to support the Annual Christmas Market it puts on. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2200 The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave three grants totaling more than $100,000 to Vintage Tech Recyclers Inc. in 2008. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2201 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2203 Your government is protecting you from getting your hair braided by someone who failed to go to a school where they don't teach hair braiding. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2190 What went so wrong with Illinois's budget? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2191 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2192 The Department of Employment Security spent $2,373.94 on copies of Sullivan's Law Directory. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2193 The Department of Transportation spent $4,258K on Legal and Attorney Fees in 2009 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2194 What human health care can learn from pet care. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2184 More than $4.7 million was spent on advertising in 2008 and 2009, in addition to the more than $6 million spent on professional advertising and media services. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2185 Stay abreast of legislator tweets at www.TweetIllinois.org. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2186 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2187 Now is your chance to let Gov. Quinn and the legislature know what you think about the proposed budget and tax hikes? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2188 The Department of Commerce spent $2,800 on Illinois Workforce Investment Board meetings. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2180 In fiscal year 2009 the Department of Aging gave Ageoptions $14 Million in grants. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2178 The annual threat to school programs and teacher positions is on again. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2179 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2181 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2170 The Wall Street Journal picks up on recent efforts in Illinois to create the state's first voucher program. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2172 The Department of Transportation paid over $69 million for land, rights of way and easements in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2173 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2174 The Department of Corrections spent over $600,000 on travel allowances for released and paroled inmates. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2175 An unapologetic Danny Williams says he was aware his trip to the United States for heart surgery earlier this month would spark outcry, but he concluded his personal health trumped any public fallout over the controversial decision. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2176 The Department of Healthcare and Family Services employees had colors training in 2005. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2162 Expanding on my earlier assertion that people cannot be starving in mass numbers unless the government has failed and/or is corrupt. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2164 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2165 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2166 The State of Illinois spent $30K per year in 2008 and 2009 for membership and association dues to the Delta Regional Authority. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2168 When bad ideas just won't fade away. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2163 Can the school system solve the violence problem on Chicago streets - and should it be their job? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2158 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2159 The Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Transportation were among the departments that spent the most on household, laundry, and cleaning supplies. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2160 An opportunity to increase transparency and bring about more timely disclosure of public information. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2161 In 2009, the CTA received $25 million in direct funding from the state but it still needed to cut service to close a budget deficit after union workers refused to return a 3.5% pay raise. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2154 Illinois spent at least $813,653,009.72 on purchases from other states. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2152 How free are we in Illinois? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2151 Do you think government spending is out of control and harmful? Then Time magazine's Joe Klein thinks you are a dodo. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2153 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2156 The Department of Employment Security spent over $150K on envelopes in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2150 More lessons from Haiti for the American economy. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2146 The State of Illinois spent over $60K on moving expenses in 2008 and 2009. Find out more here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2147 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2148 The state of Illinois spent over $15 million on gas, oil, and antifreeze in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2149 Setting bad precedent? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2134 How did Chicago respond to its second snowstorm? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2135 The Department of Commerce provided over $7 million in grants to tourism Councils and Bureaus. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2136 Transparency in Cook County? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2137 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2138 The Department of Public Health spent on Welcoming Centers in 2008, which are part of a program from the Department of Human Services to help new immigrants. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2142 The AP released information from a forthcoming audit of the Census Bureau detailing wasteful spending during the preparations for the 2010 census. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2144 What does a community organizer do? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2141 Liberty Leader Paul Detlefs responds to an article in the Wall Street Journal in which he explains why the government often can't keep up with the private sector - it's all about incentives. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2129 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2130 The Department of Public Health paid Ink Well Enterprises Inc $4,930 in 2008 for http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2131 In 2008 and 2009 the state of Illinois sent $1,320,000.00 to the Illinois Chapter of the AFL-CIO, a federation of unions. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2122 Side roads saw clearing by Wednesday afternoon... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2123 The Governor's Office spent over $25,000 on subscriptions during 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2124 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2125 Over 2008 and 2009, the State of Illinois spent more than $2.85 million on medical, scientific, and laboratory supplies. Which departments spent the most? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2126 A plank in the Institute's Economic Reform Agenda got a vote in the House. It's a good idea; here's why. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2127 Stay abreast of legislator tweets at www.TweetIllinois.org. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2128 Things don't look so rosy for job growth in the Prairie State. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2111 For fiscal year 2009, the Governor's Office spent $176,200 to be a member of the National Governors Association. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2113 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2115 I am in Pignon, a rural town in the center of the country. It is on Highway 3, which would seem to suggest an easy drive. Have you ever taken a drive along a place cut out of the land by a raging river? That is Highway 3—and I am not exaggerating. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2114 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2116 The Department of Commerce gave Chicago Football Classic Incorporated a grant for $50,000 in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2118 State budget transparency on the way? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2121 Suburban School District 54 greatly improved their Local Government Transparency Project score by close to 40 points since being contacted by the Illinois Policy Institute. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2106 It's time to use technology to ensure that Medicaid claims data can be used by the state and the public to drive cost savings and better health outcomes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2107 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2108 The Department of Transportation spent over $380K on repair and maintenance of aircraft and boats in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2110 The state spent $532,451.28 on various subscriptions in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2101 The State of Illinois spent over $300K on operating taxes, licenses and fees in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2102 The Department of Healthcare and Family Services spent almost $4,000 to attend conferences and events put on by e.Republic Incorporated http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2103 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2104 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2098 The Department of Public Health spent $694,950 on background checks in 2008. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2099 At the 'In Our Hands' summit on vouchers and education Reverend and Senator James Meeks spoke about his voucher bill. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2092 The Department of Corrections spent over $750K on travel expenses in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2093 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2094 The Department of Employment Security spent over $70,000 on services from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2095 Lawmakers in Springfield eye the possibility of reviving the death tax - before it dies. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2096 They said it, not me. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2097 Transparency may have had a hand in Tuesday's election. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2082 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2083 The Department of Public Health spent $18,000 on catering, meeting rooms, and audio visual equipment to the Wolf Point Hotel Company in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2084 Many people object to the fact that they can't vote for a Republican for one race and a Democrat for another. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2085 The Illinois Department of Commerce spent over $6,000 on shredders in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2086 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2087 Based on the election results from Barrington and Lake Forest, the political viability for major pension reform in Illinois is more probable than previously thought. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2088 A new Tax Foundation report highlights how some localities are trying to extend hotel taxes to online booking service fees. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2089 Get the A, B, C's on lowering your property tax bill. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2090 As recently as November 2009, Recovery.gov claimed that over 24,000 Illinois jobs had been created or saved by the stimulus package. Recovery.gov now lists 11,375 jobs (as reported by grant recipients), less than Minnesota, Missouri, and Indiana's counts. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2076 In 2008, the Department of Public Health spent over $35,000 on meeting facilitators. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2077 Slowly, but at a quickening pace, ice forms over the pool of global warming http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2078 The Obama campaign still owes the City of Springfield serious dough for a campaign rally held in the fall of 2008. Pay up, Mr. President! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2079 Illinois Department of Transportation spent $225,00 over the past two years on projects labeled as http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2080 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2071 Illinois Department on Aging spent over $25,000 on conference fees in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2073 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2074 The State of Illinois spent over $170,000 on video conferencing in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2075 A bill to mandate paid sick leave is up for consideration in Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2069 In the interest of transparency... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2067 The Department of Employment Security spent $5K on writing pads in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2064 In 2009, the Department of Aging spent $433,000 to rent equipment. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2065 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2066 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2068 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2070 Obama shows a disconnect with the American people. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2053 Did you know all of these. Really? ALL of them? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2061 The Department of Transportation spent over $450,000 in 2009 on "forage and farm and garden supplies." http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2054 ...and the Fresh 1st Baron Keynes. Check out the video. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2063 Dan Mitchell explains the negative impact that a second stimulus will have on our long term prospects for recovery. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2059 The President tells us that the stimulus has saved jobs. At what cost? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2060 The Illinois Department of Employment Security spent nearly $500 on bubble wrap in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2062 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2046 Which department spent over $20,000 on toilet paper in 2008 and 2009? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2048 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2049 The State has spent over 1.3 million dollars at Office Depot over the past two years. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2050 Another example of a politician ignoring the real issue and blowing smoke instead. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2040 The Department of Employment Security has spent over $3,500 on cups over the past two years. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2041 The State of Illinois spent over $44 million on commodities in 2009. Which departments spent the most? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2042 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2043 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2045 Unemployment has passed 11 percent in Illinois, while government workers enjoy relative security. Is that a good thing? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2038 The Department of Employment Security, charged with administering the state's unemployment benefits has some interesting items at the top of its budget. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2018 The country does best when the citizens are involved. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2035 Can we cut the spin and get to what matters? Can Quinn govern? Can Dorothy Brown run a county? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2036 Which department store received $37,500 from the Department of Commerce and Economic Development in 2009? What was the money for? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2037 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2039 Hoffman Estates sets new gold standard in Salary & Benefit transparency. 233 employees are making over $100,000 in total compensation. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2029 The Department of Employment Security has spent over $3,000 on membership fees for local chambers of commerce. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2030 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2033 Which department was responsible for 99.5% of the spending on http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2016 The election in Massachusetts was shocking. Are the right people shocked? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2021 Which state department spent over $25K on books, maps, and paintings in 2008 and 2009? Who were the vendors? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2024 The Department of Employment Security spent over $3,000 on employee appreciation. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2025 Maryland state lawmakers considering posting committee votes online. Illinois should do the same. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2022 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2027 Christopher Horner talked about global warming at a recent Institute event. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2014 McCormick may be losing another customer. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2012 In 2008 and 2009, Illinois State Government spent over $56 million dollars on purchasing, repairing, and renting vehicles. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2013 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2015 How much did the Department of Transportation spent on remodeling and renovations in 2009? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2017 From warning of the dangers of tax hikes, to rooting out wasteful spending, to a gentle reminder about stocking up on some of life's essentials, here are the articles that you enjoyed the most from the Institute in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2020 Illinois has officially submitted its application to the federal grant program. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2005 The local school board will hear the proposal tonight. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2006 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2007 Michigan can't sue Illinois over the Asian Carp. They don't have to. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2008 The Department of Commerce spent $1,068 on table tents in 2008. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2009 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2002 Here are five common items that every city in Illinois could put on its web site. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1992 We have made significant progress in opening up http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1993 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1994 That's why charter schools are located almost entirely in Chicago. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1995 The Department of Public Health spent $551,895.96 on telephone interviews for the CDC. Find out more here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1996 The state spent $4,765 on Business cards in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=2001 $735 million from state sale. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1980 Want to speak out about one of the top free speech issues of the year? Today is the deadline to comment on the government’s push for “Net Neutrality.” http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1982 Nothing is easier to spend than other people's money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1987 A federal government study says the (federal) Head Start program isn't working. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1988 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1989 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1990 The Governor's Office spent $123,180 in telecom expenses last year. Where can you see the charges online? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1991 Then check out this free guide from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1966 The federal stimulus dollars were clearly advertised as temporary in nature. So why are folks adding the so-called loss of stimulus dollars to this year's budget deficit calculation? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1967 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1969 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1970 Find out how much the state government spent on salt for roads in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1973 There is a socialist fever in Washington, DC at the moment. Socialism didn't make America great and cannot solve our problems today. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1979 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1960 Peoria will be home to Central Illinois's first charter high school. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1961 Find out how much the State of Illinois spent on gas, electricity and other expenses for the Governor's mansion. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1962 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1963 The Department of Commerce spent nearly $2 million on public relations in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1964 John O'Hara of the Heartland Institute has written a book about the Tea Party movement. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1965 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1956 The State of Illinois spent more than $30 million on statistical and tabulation services in 2008 and 2009. Which departments spent the most? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1957 The Department of Employment Security reported their spending in a way that told us very little about what the money was actually going towards. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1958 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1959 Chavez threatens to seize any business in Venezuela that raises prices. That could not happen in American could it? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1955 Illinois's budget is broke, but the Medicaid expansion in ObamaCare would makes things much, much worse. New estimates on just how bad things would be are now available. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1949 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1947 How will health care legislation affect your health savings account (HSA) or high deductible health plan (HDHP)? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1948 The Department of Healthcare and Family Services spent $200 million in 2008 and 2009 on a vague category of spending, telling us little about what the expenditures were for. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1954 Businesses are reluctant to employ people when they fear higher taxes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1952 Snow hit Chicago January 7, how well did the city respond? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1940 The Department of Employment Security spent over $3,000 on chair cushions over the last two years. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1941 Politicians, like anyone else, like to hear what they want to hear. Whether they like it or not, they need to hear from you. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1942 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1943 The Department of Employment Security spent more than $650,000 to one vendor in 2009 with over $450,000 in payments for paper. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1944 More people left Illinois last year than any other state except Michigan, according to a new study by United Van Lines. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1928 As the national health care debate moves behind closed doors, CSPAN tries to let the sunshine in...and Obama's campaign promises come back to haunt him. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1929 If we can't an across-the-board tax cut, let's pile up the tax breaks. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1930 The Boston Globe's Jeff Jacoby explores the problems with Medicare--and why we should imitate Mayo instead. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1931 Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) cited estimates that the federal stimulus would save/create 148,000 Illinois jobs. That's hardly been the case, as it turns out. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1932 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1933 Promises of televised health care negotiations... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1937 The Department of Employment Security has spent more then $3,000 on glue sticks over the past 2 years. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1938 Those of us opposed to the health care http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1939 Could the mixture of Illinois's new capital building program and a lack of operating funds leave us with new -- but empty -- state facilities? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1935 The State of Illinois spent more than $2 millions on printing costs in 2008 and 2009. Which departments spent the most? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1921 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1926 The Cato Institute takes a closer look at the generous wages and benefits offered by state and local governments. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1914 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1915 In 2008, the state spent more than $8,000 on calendars. How much will it spend in 2010? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1918 The state legislature pads local government pension benefits, and taxpayers get to pony up the money to pay for it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1917 'Green' power is possible. Satisfying 'greenies' is not. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1913 Which departments had the highest average total compensation for employees in 2009? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1912 Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, you can find out which departments spent the most on payroll in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1911 Even some of the people who gain from pork, see it for what it is; a money wasting game that everyone loses. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1910 Are we a nation of beggars or a nation of people who each do what we can to look after ourselves before we go to the government in search of the fruits of other people's labor? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1909 The road remains rocky and the obstacles are many, but fighting to maintain freedom is the gift we give the future. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1904 Presidents telling banks who to lend to got us into a pickle. It happened only recently. Obama forgot. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1906 The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity spent over $4,000 in 2008 on "state plane rental." http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1907 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1908 Their next trick... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1891 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1882 A list of the heroes and events that led to the freedom we enjoy today. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1883 The average annual pay for Illinois state government is 15 percent more than the average annual pay in the private sector. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1889 Despite the track the current administration is on, Rasmussen shows that Americans, including Democrats, want smaller government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1890 The Department of Commerce spent over $1500 on posters detailing different sources of renewable energy http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1892 How much does the state pay for products and services from the United States Postal Service each year? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1893 Gun sales up - murder down. Huh? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1896 The Senate recently passed health care legislation full of deals for individuals states. Unfortunately, Illinoisans might be left to pick up the tab. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1879 Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson secured permanent federal aid for a mandate to expand Medicaid in exchange for his vote in favor of Senator Reid's health care legislation. Where is Illinois's payoff? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1880 Did you know that five states actually cut their income tax in 2009? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1881 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1884 The Department of Commerce reimburses non-state employees for travel expenses http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1885 Who were the 50 largest recipients of grants from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in 2008? Read here to find out. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1886 The people against the health bill are all crazy, dangerous nuts? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1887 Deficits may not be ideal, but the real problem is excessive spending. A new video details the fountains of money pouring out of Washington, D.C. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1888 The New York Times details who gets what in the fractious negotiations over Congress's health care bill. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1868 This video provides a quick overview of what a government option really means. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1869 Illinois State spent more than $39,000 on petty cash reimbursements in 2009. Which department paid out the most? Find out here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1871 A Democratic Congress and a Democratic White House have steered stimulus dollars to Democratic districts far more often than they have to Republican districts. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1873 The state doesn't list grants in their spending report. Instead, they are listed in an unpublished database. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1872 Give me one good reason why you're not hiring. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1874 Three quarters of American high school districts and half of our elementary districts are now providing distance learning opportunities to students. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1875 The latest rankings of the 'happiest states' aren't friendly to Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1876 Climate scientist says peer-reviewed literature is not a true and unbiased sample of the state of climate science. He claims a manufactured consensus. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1877 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1878 The Civic Federation released its 2010 legislative priorities, and among them is requiring the state government to develop, implement, and publish performance measurements. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1867 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1858 The Cato Institute explains why ObamaCare is a bad deal for young adults in America. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1859 Power corrupts, and it seems to do so with ruthless efficiency in Illinois. We need to put a stop to it, or at least stun the process into a slow-down. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1860 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity pays a lot for event registrations. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1861 The Department of Commerce spent over $25,000 on entertainers for the State Fair in 2008 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1862 It's past time for the Chicago's South Side to have a Wal-Mart. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1863 The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Department of Employment Security spent thousands of dollars on membership fees in 2008 and 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1864 Check out what we found. Is your district in compliance? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1866 Rasmussen shows us that a movement is gaining ground on traditional parties. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1851 Voters resoundingly reject Schaumburg's plan to raise property taxes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1852 Where are they going? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1853 Illinois Department of Commerce spends over a quarter of a million dollars on leasing computers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1854 The Department of Employment Security spent $2,220 on bathroom air freshener service in 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1855 Thanks to federal expense reporting requirements and the accessibility of the Internet, we can get a glimpse into the compensation packages of top union officials in Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1856 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1842 McCormick Place driving away exhibitors with its costly ways. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1843 As unemployment rises Illinois Department of Employment Security continues to spend taxpayer money on staplers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1844 As today is my final day at the Illinois Policy Institute, I want to share some thoughts on how great it's been to work with the team these past nearly 2 years. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1845 The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity spent $10,000 on a gala honoring the director of the recent Batman movies. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1846 Unusual spending by the state government http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1847 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1848 Paid to teach, educators fail too often, but rarely take responsibility. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1834 Eric Zorn scorns those who would look to hold taxes at current levels. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1835 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1836 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1837 The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity spent more than $25,000 on booth rentals in 2009. Maybe it's time to rethink government expenditures. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1838 Government shouldn't be in the hotel business. Period. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1832 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1827 Our state is in financial crisis but the Department of Transportation still finds money for luxuries. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1828 People who think that Obama's low poll numbers are a prediction of failure in the future, need to look to the past. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1831 According to USA Today, "the number of federal workers earning six-figure salaries has exploded during the recession." http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1826 With the federal government on a roll, bailing out autos, banks, etc., here are some additional bailout ideas. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1820 Harry Reid, given a chance to say http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1821 Where is this unprecedented level of government openness? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1817 Kevin Lee at the Illinois Statehouse News looks into the inner workings of the legislative scholarship program, which allows lawmakers to give eight public university students each year a tuition waiver to one of Illinois’ state universities. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1818 Senators Tom Coburn and John McCain highlight 100 questionable stimulus projects. Case in point: $221,355 to study why young men do not like condoms. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1819 Michael Franc of the Heritage Foundation outlines how provisions in the House health care bill could lead states to hand responsibility for Medicaid to the federal government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1822 The government is spending tens of thousands on antiquated technology. Why? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1823 John Filan was pressured by Speaker of the House Mike Madigan to resign in early 2009. The state then promptly hired him back on a contract basis, at the same salary. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1824 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1804 Against the lessons of economic history, Obama plans more government spending. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1806 Such vague titles as http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1813 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1797 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1798 Want to read something truly terrifying? Try page 407 of Harry Reid's health care legislation. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1799 Illinois lost 286,300 jobs in the past twelve months. Let me repeat that: Illinois lost 286,300 jobs over the past year. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1800 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1789 Where do your Illinois state taxes go? Now you can find out. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1790 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1791 Heather Wilhelm discusses her Wall Street Journal piece on Ayn Rand and her impact on the free market message. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1776 Not an easy list to winnow down. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1784 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1787 Illinois Townships are hotbeads of waste and corruption. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1777 A victory for taxpayers as the county board overrides Strogers' veto. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1771 Some unions don't care too much for the new taxes on their members' insurance benefits included in Speaker Pelosi's reform bill. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1778 Can mandated insurance expenses be compared to slavery? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1782 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1758 You be the judge. Was the doctor telling the truth, or was he being hateful? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1769 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1770 In today's Wall Street Journal, Bret Stephens tracks the money funding the fervor around climate change. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1772 Mayor Daley would like another TIF district, but is this a legitimate case of blight or a means to pad the slush fund? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1773 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1774 I can't count how many times I've been in a conversation with a person who insists income disparities are leading to lower living standards for the poor. But not even the wealthy had running water 120 years ago...not to mention TVs. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1775 Voters see no results from stimulus package. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1760 If cutting sales taxes is good for Cook County, then hiking taxes statewide is...? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1763 A J.P. Morgan report reveals the lack of "real world" experience needed for top government jobs. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1761 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1767 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1768 Governor Quinn thinks that Illinoisans are happier today than at the start of 2009. Is he right? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1757 Government "help" to business as disastrous as government persecution... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1749 Why is Governor Quinn creating new state government jobs when we can't even pay our current bills? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1748 Watch this interactive county-by-county map of unemployment rates going up every month. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1752 Danny Davis of Illinois thinks your money could save the US Postal Service http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1756 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1751 Take bribes. Admit it. Keep your job. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1753 An interesting web site gives some surprising answers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1750 You don't know best. Dick Durbin knows best. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1754 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1755 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1740 Meeks has introduced voucher legislation. The unions aren't with him, but the Chicago Tribune is. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1741 Are you a woman in your 40s? You may die. The government doesn't care. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1746 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1747 George Melloan takes a look at what happens when government takes over the business of business. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1745 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1733 Fighting city hall, advancing unpopular ideas and trying to engage a busy and sometimes apathetic public is tough work. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1735 Lose jobs in a big way. As many as 169,000. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1737 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1732 A new survey places Illinois as one of 25 states with a statewide virtual school initiative, but dead last among those 25 in the scope of its programs. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1734 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1736 That $87.8 million went where? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1730 A new study from the National Taxpayers Union finds that every GM vehicle sold costs taxpayers $12,200. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1729 What should we do when the United States Postal Service loses $3.8 billion in one year? It's time to call in the bailout brigade! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1722 Unemployment in Illinois hits 11 percent,up from 10.5 percent. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1723 Chicago Mayor Richard Daley opined today on one of the most important issues of our time: Oprah Winfrey's decision to end her show and leave Chicago. He blames the media--she blames the weather. Too bad the mayor can't relate his thoughts to other things. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1724 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1725 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1726 Private comapny operates parking meters better than the city every could. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1727 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1728 Major victory for proponents of more transparency in the Federal Reserve. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1717 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1718 Two major convention events have pulled out of Chicago this week, with a third possible. Most say it's because of the economy, but I think policy has a lot to do with it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1719 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1720 In a USA Today column, Laura Vanderkam shows how job creators are something to be thankful for. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1721 Here are 10 easy to use ideas for stopping a local tax-hike. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1711 Were stimulus jobs really created in Illinois's 20th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 33rd, 34th, 42nd, 44th, 53rd, and 59th congressional districts? Recovery.gov says so. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1712 Why has Illinois's 18th Congressional District received the vast majority of the state's stimulus jobs? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1713 15 reasons that government health care http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1715 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1716 See actual spending in your neighborhood... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1703 Sounding the alarm on Illinois's pension problem. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1704 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1705 Tax payers are told that they have to contribute to society. What about tax eaters? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1706 It could all end tomorrow. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1707 How widespread is corruption in Illinois? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1708 U.S. Representative Daniel Lipinski recently voted in favor of Speaker Pelosi's massive health care bill even though he had made noises about limiting the burden of health care legislation on taxpayers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1710 How many Congressional districts do we have? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1697 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1698 Dead end for whistleblowers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1699 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1701 Condolences to the many good people who have worked alongside Michael Scott in Chicago's schools. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1702 In one day's news we see examples of the ever-expanding size of the federal government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1692 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1693 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1694 Economists use a formula to predict when income and living standards double. It's called the Rule of 70, and you may be surprised to see how Illinois fares. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1685 The Bloomington 9/12 meet up group hosted an event on November 11, and the Illinois Policy Institute spoke about the false promises of high-speed rail. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1688 Nothing is free, it just sometimes looks that way. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1689 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1677 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1679 Thoughts on Veteran's Day. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1680 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1671 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1673 If you like out of control costs and rationing, while hating civil rights, this health care bill is for you. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1674 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1676 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1666 Today marks http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1669 How does Illinois stack up with other states when it comes to respecting parents and children through school choice? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1670 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1661 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1662 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1663 "Absolutely...without question..." http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1665 One community realizes that government doesn't have to provide our desires. People can, and will. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1653 Health care reform is on the way - and we're just sick about it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1654 Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have received $1 million from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to study the relationship between fat taxes and food consumption, diet quality and obesity. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1656 According to Recovery.gov, the Illinois State AFL-CIO is receiving $2,440,200 in federal stimulus funds. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1655 We're now seeing the stimulus for what it really was -- a bailout of spendthrift government entities. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1657 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1658 The Bambenek Putback Amendment is a citizen-initiated amendment to the Constitution of the State of Illinois. Bambenek says it is designed to put the people back in charge in Springfield. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1659 Rev. Meeks, school choice champion? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1651 Where do your federal dollars go? Some of them go for a little train ride, and get lost in the process. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1650 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1647 A debate at DePaul over teacher tenure brings up whether tenure's time has come and gone. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1648 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1649 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1646 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1645 This caught my eye on Recovery.gov -- 0.01 jobs saved/created by a $78,125 grant to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Really? Something tells me this is not quite right. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1639 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1640 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1641 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1642 The health care bill introduced by House Democrats is a surefire recipe for busting Illinois's budget. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1643 The health care bill introduced this week by House Democrats contains $729.5 billion in news taxes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1633 All politics are local. But some are a lot more local than others, and you have a chance to make a difference. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1635 Tuition at Illinois’s state universities is becoming less affordable for Illinois families. From 2002 to 2007, in-state tuition and fees jumped by an average of 56 percent. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1636 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1637 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1638 It's a federal crime--punishable by up to 5 years in prison--to provide (or receive) compensation for donating bone marrow. Several groups filed suit this week to change that. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1631 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1624 Elk Grove Village--a Chicago suburb--recently retired its TIF district because, as village Mayor Craig Johnson said, the TIF's purpose had been accomplished. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1625 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1628 When failure to comply with taxes, legally or illegally, becomes rampant, government never seems to ask themselves whether it may be in part due to the taxes being too high. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1620 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1621 The ongoing debate in Illinois about campaign finance limits misses the bigger picture: contribution limits and public financing won't fix our ethics problems. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1622 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1623 A graph on public sector vs. private sector is worth a thousand words...or more. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1617 Does government policy - which is always declared to be of help to the poor - really benefit ordinary, low-income people? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1618 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1613 How much of your tax dollars are flowing in the city's TIF troughs? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1614 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1616 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1609 Yesterday I posted a column on Gaper's Block on the news that Block 37--a planned commercial development in Chicago--faces foreclosure. What makes this news especially interesting is the development was the beneficiary of taxpayer dollars through TIFs. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1611 Is each of us willing to make choices and sacrifices to better society, or do we want government to give us everything? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1612 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1607 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1608 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1601 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1603 In the aftermath of the tragic beating death of a student at Chicago's Fenger High School, some Chicago Public Schools administrators are suggesting students from Fenger may choose to go to school elsewhere. Why not make this a policy for all students? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1604 Ever wonder about the health care benefits enjoyed by Illinois state government employees and retirees ? And what portion of the plan cost is covered by the employee vs. taxpayers? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1606 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1592 Whole Foods and health care... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1593 Yesterday the Illinois legislature approved $205 million to continue providing college tuition grants from the Monetary Award Program through the spring semester. But there's no money in the bank to back this spending. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1596 Government is supposed to be here to protect us, but not from ourselves. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1597 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1598 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1599 The stimulus has created 288 jobs in Illinois. Don't take our word for it. See it for yourself on Recovery.gov. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1584 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1587 Former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt spoke at an Illinois Policy Institute luncheon in Springfield to explain Missouri's transparency program. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1590 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1577 Instead of concentrating on government, let's concentrate on what matters; patients. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1575 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1576 Chicago taxpayers give their aldermen a generous $3.7 million allowance every year to spend on things from phone service to car rental. Here's a look at how one alderman spends our money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1569 If we want Illinois's best and brightest to be teachers, it seems like we should advertise one simple fact: teachers make good money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1570 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1571 Illinois looks to property taxes for a good chunk of its revenue. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1572 President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Why? Hope! Promise! Self regard. Let's bask in that warm glow by appointing a similarly qualified person in Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1573 Some people just can't get over it when other people do things for themselves. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1568 Here is a little primer for those who think capitalism and profit are dirty words. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1567 Yet another government entity decides to treat adults like children and to supposedly make the job of the police easier by attacking the rights of the law-abiding. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1564 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1566 It is easy to assume that Michigan's economic woes are due to he troubles in the domestic auto industry. Is it that simple? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1558 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1560 Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels spoke to a capacity crowd at an Illinois Policy Institute lunch event in Chicago last week, and then sat down with me to talk about controlling spending, health care, and incentives to businesses moving between states. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1557 Illinois has applied for over $3 billion in high-speed rail stimulus dollars to increase the average speed time by 5 miles per hour. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1553 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1554 Today one of the largest big government programs in the history of the City of Chicago was defeated. Many are sad--hosting the Olympic Games is fun and an honor--but still others are celebrating the defeat of a plan that would cost millions of dollars. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1556 I want my health care DMV style -- don't you? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1543 I think it is too bad that with the success we have had lately with our governors we could not just steal one from another state. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1544 Although details are scarce, it appears Cook Co. president Todd Stroger has made an emergency hire of a law firm without board approval. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1545 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1546 A new report by the Illinois Policy Institute and the VA-based Lexington Institute provides evidence that charters are giving non-English speaking students a chance to succeed. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1547 The State Fair in Springfield is always a fun time. But, during a budget crisis, is it prudent for the government to spend taxpayer money on popcorn and instant photos? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1548 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1549 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1551 The CTA has opened up its records of contracts and vendors to the public online. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1534 Liberty Leader David Jenkins issued FOIA requests and compiled a database of salaries of employees in the Illinois Attorney General's office. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1537 Dick Durbin's reversal on DC school vouchers, Canadians getting health care in Montana, 'King Daley', and more. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1540 A new report on poverty in Chicago has just come out from the Heartland Alliance (not to be confused with the free market Heartlanders elsewhere). In it, the group records an increase in poverty in Chicago, placing it at 20.6 percent of the population. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1542 A guy who apparently merely wants to drive drunks safely home is having a tough time getting Quincy, Illinois to let him do it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1530 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1531 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1532 Educators say that they can't reject the http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1533 Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan jumped into the fray by sponsoring a bill that would prevent state money from being used to fund high-speed rail along Springfield's 3rd Street corridor. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1525 Congressman Mark Kirk, Senatorial Candidate, asks the Census Bureau to cut ties with SEIU Local 880. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1521 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1523 The Illinois Housing Development Authority provides an update on the $100,000 grant slated to go to ACORN Housing. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1524 Steve Stanek of the Heartland Institute comes out today with a story about economic planning gone wrong in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates. Thanks to generous tax increment financing (TIF) from the Village of Hoffman Estates and the bad management http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1520 Finally, we have some evidence to back the claim that adults make decisions about their lifestyle regardless of what activists and politicians try to force them to do. And of course, revenue projections by the do-gooders and elected officials were wrong. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1516 Never more than today does the phrase http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1518 If public preschool gets such a great rate of return, why not entice investors with those great returns? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1519 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1514 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1515 If a leading scientist's opinion changes in Geneva, would the media hear it? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1503 I set out to answer a simple question: Does ACORN currently have operating offices in Illinois? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1504 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1507 The main argument many people seem to have for government control of health care, banks, auto companies, etc. is that they feel corporations are greedy and government is benevolent. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1510 Transparency has led to a new, people-powered politics. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1493 A recent report from the Illinois Housing Development Authority lists ACORN Housing as receiving a $100,000 grant. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1496 When the only idea a politician has is to raise taxes on higher income earners, that politicians is a danger to the future of the state. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1498 Illinois’s Democratic gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a “clash of the tax hikers.” In one corner sits current Governor Pat Quinn. In the other corner is State Comptroller Dan Hynes. The only one guaranteed to lose this fight is the taxpayer. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1494 One of the countries leading education researchers released a study that finds huge gains for charter school students in New York. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1495 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1497 Illinoisans pay a lot in property taxes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1501 According to the Corporation for Enterprise Development, our fair state ranks dead average in terms of financial instability. Doesn't bode well for the rest of the Union, does it? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1500 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1491 The Springfield park district is spending $30,000 in grant money on 12 GPS units resembling "Game Boys" for behind-the-scenes park tours. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1492 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1486 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1487 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1488 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1489 Schools in the Chicago area are among those accepting free presentations from a group offering to teach kids about global warming. Do they teach science, or do they some other agenda? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1478 Earlier this week Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) released his version of a health care overhaul, and surprise, surprise, it contains a mandate on states to expand their Medicaid rolls. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1479 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1480 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1481 Two convictions on liquor license violations offer insight into how much the government thinks they need to protect us from ourselves. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1483 Durbin and Burris still support ACORN, claiming a few bad apples were the only problem. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1472 Gasoline for $2.19 a gallon in Missouri got me thinking. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1473 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1474 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1477 I am tired of being called anti-government, anti-poor people, anti-immigration. I'll show you anti-government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1468 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1469 The main argument against government control of anything is that elected officials and their appointed representatives often believe that they alone posses sufficient knowledge to run everything. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1471 Is there any reason for governments to build and maintain sports facilities? Should publicly owned facilities control ticket costs? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1467 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1465 Over a thousand tea party activists gathered in Quincy today to talk limited government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1458 Governor Quinn is talking about tobacco tax hikes -- and so is Dan Hynes. Here are ten good reasons from the Heartland Institute to oppose tobacco tax increases. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1459 A Medicaid expansion could spell bad news for state budgets across the country. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1460 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1462 Want to retire with a fat pension? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1463 A once-every-four-years contest and celebration of the finest sports has to offer. A politically corrupt city. These two things do not belong together. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1464 On September 9, 2009 concerned citizens gathered along side the 3rd Street Corridor tracks on Ash street near downtown Springfield. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1446 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1450 Can we believe what President Obama told us last night in his most recent health care speech? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1455 Governor Quinn is on another tax rampage. This time he's talking about increasing Illinois's tobacco tax by $1.00 to $1.98 during the October veto session. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1439 A 2004 income tax hike in Pennsylvania hasn't solved the Keystone State's budget woes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1442 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1441 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1436 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1437 In July, Quinn signed an executive order allowing the home-care providers to join unions and negotiate for higher pay. Taxpayers could be stuck footing the bill for new, costly union middlemen and higher wages. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1438 Parents are being forced to make an economic choice in their child's education - and it is one they should not have to make. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1435 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1433 On Wednesday September 2 protesters gathered outside the Dana Thomas House, historic landmark designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1430 Labor day isn't for most of us, even if we do enjoy the day. It is for unions, which are less and less a part of the solution in America. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1431 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1404 A report on Illinois tax credits from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability doesn't offer much illumination on what impact tax credits have on our state's economy. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1420 The national ACT test shows that home-schooled students scored, on average, above others this year. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1421 What would Old Ben say if he were alive today? John Armor thinks he knows. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1422 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1425 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1418 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1419 State Comptroller and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Hynes is talking about passing a bigger tax hike than that sought by Governor Pat Quinn. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1409 Why not? How much more silly could the kid be? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1410 John Fund of the Wall Street Journal came to Chicago to speak at the Illinois Policy Institute about how Chicago influenced Obama and how he has taken that to Washington. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1411 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1416 Hundreds of Illinoisans turned out to say "no to cap and tax" in Springfield today. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1413 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1400 Who killed the 50 percent income tax increase plan? According to some reports, we can thank House Minority Leader Tom Cross. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1402 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1403 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1405 Here's a good video on why we don't need socialized medicine. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1407 George Leef points out that it is not the various aspects of Obama's health plans that are important. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1408 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1396 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1397 If something that goes beyond basic services, loses money, should government finince it? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1398 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1393 Medical price transparency just got a boost in Minnesota, thanks to an innovative new private-sector initiative. We need something similar here in Illinois! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1395 Federal stimulus dollars are being used in Sangamon County to buy clothes at a local Kmart. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1476 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1384 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1386 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1387 Illinois can't pay its existing bills, yet Governor Quinn is signing program expansion bills into law. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1388 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1389 Every day, looking through the news sites, it is so easy to see where our government is off track. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1391 Want a little song-and-dance routine to liven up your day? Comedian Tim Hawkins sings about the endless follies of government--while showing off his impressive dance moves--in his latest video, 'The Government Can!' http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1376 I return today to a favorite saying of mine: A trained monkey can come up with raising taxes as a solution. Is it too much to ask that people who claim to be leaders rise to a level just a bit above the monkey? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1379 Garrison Keillor and today's Must Reads offer a great lesson on America's political divide. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1378 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1370 While Gov. Quinn tells us that we have cut the budget tax payers continue to be first in line to pay and last in line to catch a break. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1373 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1372 Chicago's three major long term asset leases combined are worth over $3.5 billion. What has happened to this money? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1364 Now, state and local government can hold online reverse auctions for contracts, similar to how you bid on eBay. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1365 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1369 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1361 Illinois Policy Institute fans out across the Illinois state fair to talk about free markets and economic liberty. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1362 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1359 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1360 Vice President Biden came to Chicago to stump for health care reform. He - and those on his round table - talked mostly about electronic record keeping, but the event was not without political arrogance, fuzzy thinking and slamming of ordinary Americans. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1352 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1353 Do we need an income tax increase in Illinois, or more oversight of the money we already send the legislature? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1356 High-speed rail is coming to downtown Springfield -- and faster than some residents are ready for it.They spoke out today at a protest rally. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1355 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1358 Protesters of the proposed high-speed rail, that will go through the heart of Springfield, gathered on Carpenter street between 2nd and 4th to voice their concerns. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1342 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1344 Site provides a good, first step towards more transparency in Illinois, but it still needs some work. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1349 Is it reasonable to fear that the government will ration health care? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1350 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1348 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1338 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1339 Deroy Murdock gives us another reason to be leery of ObamaCare and its cost to taxpayers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1341 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1323 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1325 Government will drive business away from private insurance, possibly eliminating the entire industry and taking away your insurance options. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1327 I asked whether there is constitutional authority for the health bill, car vouchers and the takeover of banks and auto manufacturers. Readers responded with a big NO. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1328 By having invitation only town hall meetings, legislators are choosing to hear only what they want to hear. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1329 Jon Sanders talked to me about who and what he saw at the rallies he attended, opposing health legislation. He says that participants are being smeared by politicians and the media. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1331 The Illinois Policy Institute was a sponsor of the Chicago edition of the Heartland Institutes health care round table discussions. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1335 Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D) refuses to hold health care town hall. Illinoisans respond at his Springfield district office on August 14, 2009. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1322 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1311 Does the government, local, state or federal, need to do all the things it does for us? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1313 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1315 Quinn uses his private cell phone, which means his records are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1316 President Obama charges that family care doctors are colluding with surgeons to let us get sick enough to need amputations. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1306 What is the constitutional authority for the massive power the federal government has given itself? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1307 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1308 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1309 When Durbin says something is too expensive, it probably is. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1304 What if we got our groceries the same way we get our education; from a monopoly government operation? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1303 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1292 Mayor Daley and Midwest governors announced plan to fast-track high-speed rail and they made some extravagant claims in the process. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1296 Clash for Clunkers provides us with a lesson about massive government spending programs—they always cost more than originally planned. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1297 This first showing of so-called TIF transparency does not do the job. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1298 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1299 Are you committed to transparency? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1300 An audit of the Illinois Department of Corrections shows overtime and compensatory time has tripled from 2006 to 2008. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1301 Dan Hynes, Illinois Comptroller, say he is running because http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1290 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1295 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1279 Big Brother wants you to report health care reform skepticism to the White House! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1282 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1286 Having health insurance does not guarantee health care, as nations with socialized systems already know. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1287 Governor Quinn's plan to enact a 10-day sales tax holiday flounders. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1288 Is pre-school early education such as Head Start effective or is it just babysitting paid by taxpayers in Illinois? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1289 Steve Chapman, a columnist and editorial writer for the Chicago Tribune, takes governors and state legislators to task about digging their own budget holes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1271 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1272 How would you like to make $100,000 a year? Sounds great, right? Well, that is exactly what 40 Illinois Department of Correction prison guards made last year. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1274 Without the quick release of government records on the Cash for Clunkers program, there is no way to know whether or not it is a success. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1268 President Obama's health care talk doesn't match up with reality. Just take a look at the bill text. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1265 Today's Must-Reads highlight the problem with the administration's health care reform as well as exposes the truth behind the fiscal crisis many states face. The recession did not create the gap between government commitments and resources. It exposed it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1266 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1248 As Illinois continues to face budget woes and debt burdens, Fitch Ratings has downgraded the state's bond rating from AA- to A. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1253 Must read articles from the Institute for 7-30-09 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1254 Illinois Recovery received the lowest grade out of all state stimulus transparency sites. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1255 Liberty Leader Brian Costin of Schaumburg has racked up an impressive win in the past few weeks and plans on doing a lot more. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1264 If liberty is the greatest product ever made-like I think it is-then Liberty Leaders are the best advertising we can get. We need to advertise the ideas of liberty or nobody will notice or act as it slowly disappears. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1244 If Congress passes a bill that creates a public insurance option, the future will be littered with rationing and lower quality care. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1228 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1230 It's not working for Michigan, so why do we think it would work for us? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1231 The Midwest High Speed Rail Association wants $10 million in stimulus funds to study the feasibility of 220- mph trains zooming through downtown Springfield. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1240 A new study reveals government transparency inspires citizen involvement. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1241 Getting friendly with elected officials, journalists, and public employees. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1220 Uptown Chicago taxpayers remain in the dark about the progress of the Wilson Yard TIF (tax increment financing) project. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1225 Easy ways to get your letters to the editor published. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1227 If you’ve been wondering how to track stimulus money for Illinois, check out Recovery.gov, the federal website that shows where tax dollars are going. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1215 It's true. Chicago leadership brought it upon the city with the help of your tax money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1216 Tired of being shut out of the process? Become a resource to elected officials! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1219 Todd Stroger vetoed the sales tax rollback, but there is still hope! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1211 Chicago will soon no longer have the highest sales tax in the country! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1212 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1213 Cook County is the largest county in Illinois, with 41% of the state's residents. Between 2000 and 2008, however, its population declined while the rest of Illinois grew by 3.9%. Why is everyone leaving? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1214 Have you ever needed to call a state agency and been torn about which one you should call? With 76 state agencies in Illinois, it's no surprise. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1207 Springfield leaders promised that a hike in the city's hotel/motel tax would fund sidewalk and road repair. Now some on the Council want to use the money as a general budget stopgap. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1208 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1209 Illinois's high minimum wage restricts business and job growth. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1210 Illinois's high minimum wage restricts business and job growth. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1200 Indeed, when government fails to post spending information online in easily accessible form, citizens are left to speculation—and rightly so. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1202 With state debt, politicians too often limit solutions to cutting programs or taxing more. A third alternative, reforming existing programs, is often most attractive. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1203 With state debt, politicians too often limit solutions to cutting programs or taxing more. A third alternative, reforming existing programs, is often most attractive. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1205 While Illinois's tax collections from the first quarter of 2009 are down, we're doing slightly better overall when compared to the national average. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1204 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1206 Using this new budget to fix our problems is like plugging a leak with your finger – you can’t stand there forever, eventually the leak will need fixing. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1187 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1192 The state of Illinois is seeking $3.5 billion in stimulus money for so-called high-speed rail. However, the money being sought will not all go to high-speed rail projects, but instead may be used to upgrade existing lines for both passenger travel and fr http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1194 Does an uncustomary slip of the tongue by the president give away what government run health care will really be like? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1182 The language of a legislative bill can reveal a lot about its character. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1183 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1184 A hospital in Massachusetts is filing suit against the state, claiming the state's universal health care system is causing it to lose money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1185 Business regulations in Chicago are much more akin to struggling India than prosperous Hong Kong. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1186 Since the first stimulus package was signed in February, unemployment in Illinois and the US has continued to rise. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1179 Are you successful? Great, now give the government more money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1176 Moody's Investors Service is considering downgrading Illinois bonds, Dow Jones reports today... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1177 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1178 Lawmakers in Springfield pass budget plan. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1181 The straight-laced, nonpartisan agency's analyses are becoming the biggest obstacle to the government takeover of health care http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1174 Republicans released a map showing the maze a bureaucracy created by government run health care. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1165 Governor Quinn signed the capital bill taxes into law today in Chicago. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1171 Commenting on a Newsweek article discussing our growing government http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1170 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1172 Commenting on a Newsweek article discussing our growing government http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1173 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1175 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1166 Kim Clarke Maisch with the National Federation of Independent Business tells us why a service tax would hurt Illinois's small businesses. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1167 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1168 The recent capital bill is a mixed bag, in terms of both its various projects and its approach to capital investment. It should be met with skepticism. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1164 A compilation of the most pertinent news of the day. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1163 Governor Pat Quinn has announced plans to shelve his tax plan until November. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1155 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1159 Illinois already has a huge deficit, so does it make sense to hire more people and spend more money? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1160 Transparency in Illinois shouldn't be limited to politicians, but should include all those involved with policy creation and passage. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1161 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1162 Not everyone on the school board said http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1153 A compilation of the most pertinent news of the day. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1140 A compilation of the most pertinent news of the day. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1150 Your favorite sweetened beverage is about to get more expensive. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1142 Transparency requires more than putting up a website claiming dedication to transparency. Committing to transparency involves making information readily available for the public and as up-to-date as possible. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1139 California Bond Rating Lowered. Is Illinois in the same boat? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1133 Congress needs to step back and consider how less government and the free market could help reform health care. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1137 Wasteful Stimulus spending in Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1138 Last week Governor Pat Quinn outlined $1 billion in additional spending cuts, which included a potential reduction of 2,600 state government positions. We put that number in perspective. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1148 Senator Coburn provides a great example of transparency that Illinois should follow http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1136 The media is writing story after story about how some Illinois non-profits are facing funding issues because their state government subsidies rest on shaky grounds. Here's how the Institute avoids that uncertainty. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1129 Illinois named one of the worst states to govern by Politico http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1131 Despite a seemingly impossible budget deficit, policy makers are shamelessly calling for a high-speed rail system in Illinois and the Midwest. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1128 State lawmakers should practice the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1120 Government transparency would help lawmakers and citizens see that Illinois doesn’t need more money, it needs less spending. The state of Illinois needs to think about some serious cuts in spending before it even hints at possibly raising taxes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1123 Today marks the start of the 2010 Fiscal Year. We don't have a budget. What happens next? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1124 Today marks the first anniversary of Cook County's sales tax increase that was passed last summer. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1125 I had the pleasure of joining Mark Thoma in studio today at WMAY (970 AM Springfield) to talk about what to do with Illinois's budget mess. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1118 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1119 The Olympics provide a wonderful opportunity for governmental transparency- let's not waste it! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1121 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1115 A letter to the editor in the State Journal-Register caught my eye...the writer must have a crystal ball. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1110 Nonmaleficence and health care reform. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1108 When government gives away free health care, we all pay. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1109 A petition for better health care reform. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1101 Chris Jenner shows us how a little effort can go a long way on the local level. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1103 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1092 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1094 What do astrology services, car rentals, bowling alleys, and youth sport teams all have in common? They were up for a tax hike. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1090 Charter school advocate David Kelley recently ascended to the position of president of the Rockford School District. He's got high hopes for the many new charter schools opening in Rockford in the fall. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1095 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1088 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1085 John Tillman's article in the State Journal-Register today is prompting some heated discussion from readers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1084 As the Trib prepares for legal action against the state, one can't help but wonder why our papers and bloggers are spearheading transparency more than political leaders. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1087 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1080 We should embrace new media outlets like Twitter, and encourage our politicians to do the same. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1068 Why taxpayers shouldn't buy into Governor Pat Quinn's budget guilt trip. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1069 Policy makers have a knack for quoting only those economists who support their position. An informed citizenry is necessary to detect these one-sided approaches. Let's not forget that there are two sides to the coin. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1073 Another example of how public schools are failing children. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1075 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1066 The State Register-Journal outlines some potential steps toward a more accountable earmarking process. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1064 Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels talks with Don Wade & Roma on WLS 890 AM about why Indiana has a surplus and Illinois has a deficit. What's his secret for success? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1062 Institute CEO John Tillman moderated a roundtable event in Chicago in late may hosted by the local chapter of America's Future Foundation. He asked panelists how to best communicate the ideas of liberty using http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1060 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1056 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1057 What renewable energy really means for taxpayers http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1047 In the aftermath of a new FOIA law passing both houses of the General Assembly–and currently sitting on Governor Quinn's desk–the Northwest Herald today wrote a lengthy article about how the new law means more work for local governments. Not necessarily. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1044 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1045 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1046 The U.S. House will now publish spending records online. Will Illinois follow suit? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1039 The Wall Street Journal recently had an excellent article about the economic situation in Maryland and how high taxes and high spending are driving the wealthy out of the state...and leaving an economic wasteland behind for everyone else. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1040 Liberty Leader Bob Shelstrom writes about our state's poor economic outlook and some policies--abolishing "prevailing wage" laws for one--that could possibly help. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1041 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1042 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1037 The Illinois House of Representatives voted down a 50 percent income tax increase. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1036 Will we see a billboard like this one pop up on the Illinois-Indiana border if the General Assembly passes a tax hike? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1029 You could be paying higher taxes as soon as July 1, 2009. Is that how our founding fathers would want us to celebrate the Fourth of July? Higher taxes? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1030 Rather than a sales tax holiday, any policymaker who wants to help back-to-school shoppers would do better to advocate a lower sales tax rate throughout the year. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1031 I just got an interesting email from Governor Quinn's Deputy Chief of Staff. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1035 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1025 What do you do when no one likes your $3.2 billion income tax hike? Propose a $4 billion tax hike! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1024 Jonathan Williams, a state tax and budget expert from the American Legislative Exchange Council, offers insight on Illinois's economic performance. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1017 While the debate on the tax hike continues, the numbers show that many families will have to shell out more money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1014 Unanimous vote from both houses sends state procurement reform to Gov. Quinn's desk. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1012 A fun video showing how little $17 Billion is in Obama's $3 Trillion budget http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1006 Check out our very own Kristina Rasmussen's speech at the Capitol from Tuesday. She called Springfield's "tax eaters" out for asking for more and more taxpayer money, and applauded the efforts of the "tax beaters" in the crowd. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1011 Liberty Leader Nancy Thorner of Lake Bluff hits another one out of the park, this time on entitlement spending in the Chicago Tribune. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1003 Yesterday's pro-taxpayer rally at the State Capitol in Springfield brought around 200 Liberty Leaders from across Illinois to protest high government spending and the governor's plan to raise income taxes by a whopping 50 percent. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1004 Governor Quinn's Taxpayer Action Board is scheduled to meet on May 22 to present their recommendations. It is May 20, and no details on the meeting have been posted online. How are taxpayers supposed to show up if we can't get the details? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1005 On May 19th, the Illinois Policy Institute led a Twitter training session at the Illinois State Capitol for tweetillinois.org http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1002 We're signing up state legislators for Twitter! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=997 Could government pass a 'stress test'? The Institute and House Republican Leader John Boehner investigate. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=998 Look no further for copies of past Illinois budget books. We've got them right here. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=999 It’s a good day for Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=1010 Liberty Leader Nancy Thorner of Lake Bluff wrote a fantastic letter in Lake County News-Sun on Illinois's current economic situation...and the Institute's plan to improve it dramatically. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=995 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=996 A cartoon from over 50 years ago that paints a great picture of the future we would come to see before our eyes today. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=992 Great video from CATO that shows the many economic and political scholars who disagree with the way the Federal government has been spending money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=988 The United States is on track to borrow 46 cents for every dollar it spends. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=989 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=990 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=991 Rep. Grayson questions Federal Reserve Inspector General regarding where the money is going - she doesn't know! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=985 Where are the budgets hiding? A good first step toward state spending transparency would be storing historical budget documents online. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=986 Since the news of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger vetoing the repeal of the sales tax, 14 board members are needed to override his decision. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=982 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=983 Teachers rallied in Springfield this week, and Governor Quinn caved on his pension contribution reform plan. Will he cave on his tax hike plans? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=984 While the U.S. economy lost 539,000 jobs in April, the U.S. government gained 66,000. A winning prescription? Not likely. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=981 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=977 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=973 Commissioner Peraica lead the effort to repeal the Cook County sales tax. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=969 The Chicago Tribune has a new great site to help citizens keep track of various FOIA projects, including the ups and downs. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=970 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=957 Why were tea bags dangling from the House chamber microphones? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=958 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=954 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=955 Governor Pat Quinn created the Taxpayer Action Board to identify ways to cut government spending. Do their initial ideas make the grade when it comes to delivering real savings for taxpayers? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=951 The charter school movement in Rockford could be setting the stage for a statewide examination of the charter school cap (and the possibility of removing it altogether). http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=952 According to reports, Illinois isn't close to having a balanced budget within the deadline, 5 weeks away. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=953 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=948 Video from CATO about how to have less corruption in government with an alternative approach http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=949 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=950 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=946 Health Planning Facilities Board or Health Facilities and Services Review Board? How about neither? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=947 City Alderman and County Commissioner are pushing for cutting the tax rate, what does Mayor Daley think about this? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=943 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=942 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=939 Tim Geithner admits he is not, and never has been in banking. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=938 In a new poll, Chicagoans have declared they want more transparency. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=934 The Heritage Foundation visually puts the spending and spending cuts of the Obama budget. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=935 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=936 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=931 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=928 Check out the 4,000+ people who showed up to support liberty at the Chicago Tea Party. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=929 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=927 Debate on Fox about whether or not Government Employees are paid too much. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=919 You won't believe how much individuals and businesses spend on Tax Code compliance. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=912 Tea party protests will take place across the country on April 15. How can you keep the momentum going on April 16? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=913 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=911 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=905 The not-so funny game of hide-n-go seek that Congress is playing with earmarks. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=907 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=908 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=902 Does it help or hurt to just 'Buy American' products? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=903 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=904 The freedom to trade is a key ingredient in the recipe for economic prosperity. Unfortunately, this freedom is under attack by protectionist forces that would stifle economic exchange. What can you do about it? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=900 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=901 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=896 The newest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Chicago having a higher unemployment rank than New York City. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=898 In total, we’ve had 10 candidates for Palatine’s elected offices–the township, highways, school, park and library districts–sign on board with our clear and proactive Transparency Pledge. This is all due to the hard work of a Liberty Leader named Valerie. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=899 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=897 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=891 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=886 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=888 Commissioner Tony Peraica hosts cookemployees.com listing salaries for Cook County employees and vendor information. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=882 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=883 Following up on Nick's post about TIFs in the Huffington Post, I figured it might be fitting to mention a new article--by yours truly--on the Chicago-based Gaper's Block blog. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=884 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=885 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=880 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=881 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=874 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=875 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=876 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=864 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=866 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=870 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=871 Should Governor Quinn tackle Illinois's third rail of government spending? Our letter to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch provides an answer. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=857 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=849 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=844 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=845 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=837 Fox Chicago news reported this morning on legislation from Springfield that would roll back the Cook County sales tax that makes food, clothes and books in Chicago have the highest taxes in the nation. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=840 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=835 One of the first suburban charter schools in Illinois is praised for its conservation efforts and scholastic achievement. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=836 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=830 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=827 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=828 “Every day, private companies in my district and across this state are trying to find methods to make their business more efficient. It’s time that the state takes the same approach,” said Rep. Connelly. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=829 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=820 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=824 It’s Sunshine Week, and newspapers are collectively highlighting the level of transparency–or lack thereof–in states nationwide. Here’s a brief run-down of Sunshine Week editorials from Illinois newspapers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=811 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=812 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=815 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=810 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=804 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=803 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=805 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=798 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=799 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=795 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=796 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=797 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=794 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=790 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=785 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=786 Here's a pretty illustration of the credit crisis. The only thing missing is how incentives created by politicians through policy set the rules of the game the bankers and lenders played. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=787 Cook County taxpayers are due for some good news...and some came today! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=788 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=789 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=783 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=782 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=778 Today's demonstration against the stimulus and wasteful government spending brought out a few hundred people with creative signs and slogans. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=779 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=780 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=774 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=775 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=776 The Obama administration is causing on major change: a shift in the government's relationship with the private sector. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=772 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=773 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=767 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=768 I love reading news stories that attribute pro-transparency quotes to public officials (or even candidates). An article in today’s Daily Herald about Arlington Heights mayoral candidate Phillip Walter definitely fits the bill. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=771 After Liberty Leader, Brian Costin, initiated a new program of posting notes online before village board meetings, more people visited the website and virtual traffic increased. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=763 Last Wednesday (February 18), our CEO John Tillman spoke to a group of concerned citizens about tax increment financing districts (TIFs), who actually raises your property taxes, government transparency and more. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=764 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=765 President of Ohio State University argues that government money should be invested in universities. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=766 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=759 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=760 With the passage of the stimulus plan, the President warns mayors not to waste money or else he will call them out on it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=761 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=762 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=756 Governor Quinn appoints crony and follows bad politics http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=750 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=748 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=738 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=739 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=741 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=737 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=735 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=736 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=734 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=726 Nobel prize-winning economist Milton Friedman was one of the most articulate spokespeople for free markets. In this video, Dr. Friedman talks with Phil Donahue on the subject of greed and incentives that drive people to produce value for society. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=730 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=724 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=725 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=718 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=719 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=720 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=716 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=717 Commissioner Peraica Resolution Meets Road Block http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=709 Cook County Commissioner Introduces Transparency Resolution http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=710 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=714 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=715 A popular way for officials to stall or stop government transparency initiatives is to claim that they’ll cost the taxpayers too much money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=707 IL House and Senate Members are in the early stages of reform http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=706 Transparency Haiku for Illinois http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=704 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=698 This is a bit late, but the Colbert Report featured KIPP charter school founder Dave Levin in October. KIPP, which stands for Knowledge Is Power Program, operates 66 schools in 19 states and D.C., and has great results to show for it. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=701 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=700 House Resolution to Commission Barack Obama Painting http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=703 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=687 Liberty Leader Valerie Martin of Midlothian has led by example by posting a sampling of her village’s municipal code online. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=694 Newly appointed Gov. Pat Quinn took the first step towards government reform in Illinois, with his effort to reduce campaign season. However, his first action at as Governor is far from an acceptable level of reform within the state. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=685 Cost? Not an issue. Time? Not an issue. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=684 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=683 Same song and dance... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=680 Can they overcome the “Springfield two-step?” http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=682 Liberty Leader Lennie Jarratt sends us this report from Big Hollow School District 38 in Ingleside, IL: The Big Hollow Taxpayers have won a small victory. On Monday, the school board backed down in hiring one of their own as the technology director. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=674 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=675 Liberty Leader Dianna Visek scored another victory for fiscal transparency late last month in her home city of Urbana. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=672 MLK Day has come and gone, but Dr. King's vision of a society of equal opportunity for everyone is worth pursuing every day. That's why school choice is such a noble effort. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=673 Liberty Leader Brian Costin has been showing up at Schaumburg village board meetings for years. Lately he’s been on a mission to ensure that the public have access to documents that show how officials spend taxpayer dollars. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=669 Transparency news from Springfield... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=671 Liberty Leader Paul Detlefs sent this Calvin and Hobbes strip from 1993. Amazing how true it rings today, huh? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=670 Who is next? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=668 The Club for Growth pulls a film classic to illustrate the stimulus. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=665 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=664 Liberty Leader Chris Jenner is a school board member for Cary School District 26. Last month, the board passed two new resolutions that expand transparency on the board and provide new methods for citizen oversight and competitive bidding for contracts. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=661 I'm often asked what the point of government transparency is. Sure, it's nice, but will putting the information out there really help to make government better? Vigilance is the key. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=662 The Rockford School Board will meet tomorrow to discuss the proposal for Legacy Charter School. The pro-charter group has done a fantastic job of getting their message into the media. Here are a few examples. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=663 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=658 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=659 Money is tight so why are Jacksonville school board members thinking of spending more on goods and services than they could? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=660 Since my op-ed on charter schools ran in the Rockford Register-Star I've entertained a good number of questions about some the claims I made. Here's some data for those who are interested. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=651 Transparency is starting to inch ahead... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=648 How much wasteful spending, like buying $67,000 worth of cappuccino machines, do we NOT know about? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=644 How long will Illinois wait? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=638 In news that's not going to be a surprise to anyone, I just read about a poll that found that 80% of parents in various large Illinois cities would like to exercise school choice for their kids. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=636 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=634 Paul Jacob tackles transparency in the endless federal bailouts in his column today, citing the estimated $7.7 trillion in taxpayer money that is being devoted to propping up failing banks, financial institutions and, possibly, automobile manufacturers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=632 On Friday Liberty Leader Adam Andrzejewski spoke with Chicago's ABC 7 news about his lawsuit to remove Governor Blagojevich from power. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=633 Thanks to our Liberty Leaders in Urbana–including, as always, Dianna Visek–there will be a vote in the city council this evening to decide whether to codify transparency and make it official policy. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=629 Pick up a broom and start sweeping. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=630 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=625 How much does a U.S. Senate seat fetch on eBay? Let's ask Governor Blagojevich! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=624 Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman will appear on WLS-AM radio this evening between 9-10 PM to discuss the day's top story: the arrest of Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=622 Tipping point for transparency? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=620 On the right track... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=618 Homeowners in the village of Country Club Hills are upset that their property taxes are increasing by a whopping 45 percent. The mayor says that new assessments from Cook County are to blame, but the county assessor says that his rates are flat. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=619 I was a little bit surprised to see the News-Gazette headline, “Champaigne County Web site called second most open in the state,” came in on my feeds this morning. Then I remembered that being the second most open county in this state isn’t saying a who http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=621 Okay...so I’ve spoken of this before… how the education system in America is essentially socialism. Let’s look at how that’s playing out in the day to day here in Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=615 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=616 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=617 0 out of 102 counties? We have work to do. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=610 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=609 High School District 128, go transparent! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=608 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=606 Riverside-Brookfield joins the list! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=607 This should be shocking…and yet… nothing shocks me these days. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=604 States are going to Washington for bailouts of their own, but why is this the case mere months after they were boasting record revenues? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=603 Comedienne Wanda Sykes talks about this bailout business AKA http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=601 CTA strikes again. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=594 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=592 ... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=593 WWBOD? What would Barack Obama do? Seriously... why are Illinois http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=590 ... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=588 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=586 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=583 The fastest-growing part of your real estate taxes not listed on your tax bill: Where does it go? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=585 Today, Chris Green of the Rockford Register Star reported on the comments made by representatives from Chicago International Charter School (CICS) when they presented Tuesday night at an informational meeting hosted by the Rockford Charter School Initiat http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=581 Our transparency pledge page has been updated to include the newest signatories of the pledge! Have your elected officials and preferred candidates signed on? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=578 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=579 He won't tell... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=580 The Cook Co. health board's proposed 2009 budget, finally presented yesterday, puts total spending at $950 million and provides for 415 new employees. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=575 A good model of county transparency found in Hamilton County, OH. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=577 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=573 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=572 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=570 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=569 Check out ATR's new accountability in government website. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=567 Perhaps if Champaign County were transparent...this could have been stopped before it started. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=565 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=566 Sick of CTA fare hikes? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=564 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=563 Where's the budget for this? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=562 Tim Waldorf of the Naperville Sun is shedding some light on the salaries of top paid public employees in Naperville. Also of interest is the comparison of the top paid employees of Dupage County and Will County. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=561 What are Illinois legislators waiting for? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=559 Not connected politically? They show you the door. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=557 A 100K state grant for a botanical garden in Englewood that never was... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=558 John Biver of championnews.net has a great article this week on how increasing funding for public education does not result in higher student achievement. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=555 Reason.tv produced a video on a failing L.A. high school earlier this year, which documented its problems as well as parents' and students' hopes that their school could be saved by an innovative plan to make it into a charter school. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=552 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=548 The liberty movement has lost a good soldier, J. Patrick Rooney. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=546 And it also means that you and people like you pay 86% of federal income taxes. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=541 Will the University of Illinois shed full sunlight and post all its expenditures online? It appears they are headed towards the light. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=540 More transparency progress in Ottawa! Great job, as you continue to lead the way. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=536 The College of DuPage, in conjunction with the efforts of Liberty Leader Adam Andrzejewski, has started posting employee salaries online. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=535 AHN writer Jupiter Kalambakal reported that AFSCME ratified a contract Friday with the state of Illinois that includes a 15.25% pay raise implemented over the course of four years. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=534 Texas Watchdog, an investigative reporting group out of Houston, discovered just how lax city officials have been when following their own conflict of interest statements online. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=532 Signs of light in Cook County? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=530 Ottawa has set a high bar - who is next? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=531 Today Paul Jacob profiles a website and a Colorado citizen who are devoted to government transparency. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=528 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=527 As classes gear up at the University of Illinois, student body president Jaclyn O’Day is getting serious about transparency in the Student Senate. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=523 The Sun-Times helps bring more transparency to government spending. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=522 Liberty Leader Dianna Visek is hard at work in Champaign. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=521 It looks like Naperville Park District could use transparency. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=520 Cook County Clerk David Orr wants taxpayers to know where TIF district funds go. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=517 If ever there were a time for comprehensive statewide transparency it would be now. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=519 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=518 Let's examine the CTA. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=512 The question is: What is right, expanding government to try to do good things, or digging the debt hole even deeper? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=513 The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board sees the Illinois Facilities Planning Board as an obstacle to growth. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=508 The following letter provides a perfect example of how Chicago is driving out business because of its high sales tax, overall poor stewardship of finances, and lack of transparency about spending. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=509 Posted by Kate Campaigne John Kass has yet again provided us with another Chicago tale strengthening the argument that we need comprehensive transparency in government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=510 John Kass has yet again provided us with another Chicago tale strengthening the argument that we need comprehensive transparency in government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=511 Replacing one letter of a word and creating an entirely new one has been popular for some time. Here's one that applies to all taxpayers. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=507 ...between what you pay in Cook County and everywhere else. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=506 The home of Sam Adams still has it in her, it seems. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=503 Newly launched site aims to bring more transparency to Illinois government. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=502 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=500 Anita Forte-Scott (R-Schaumburg) campaign steps full-heartedly onto transparency platform. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=487 Champaign County has a problem. Its nursing home can't seem to manage its money. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=483 As he reels in the money, he defends his delay... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=480 Transparency needed...Why are these kids typing on unplugged computers? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=478 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=479 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=474 Wait, "happy" might not be the right adjective to use... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=475 It's comforting to know that while Illinois is experiencing a budget crisis, the Senate President remains confident that he can get a pay raise. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=476 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=472 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=469 Now would be a good time to raise fare prices for mass transit, namely the CTA. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=471 Liberty Leader Adam Andrzejewski received some good press from Jerry Moore of the Elmhurst Press, which highlighted Adam's efforts in bringing more transparency to school districts across Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=463 Simply getting data online isn't the goal of well- meaning transparency laws. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=459 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=460 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=456 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=452 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=455 Blog Post http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=449 Kate wrote earlier this week about how Chicago is no. 1 in the country for sales taxes. Here's a breakdown of just how much people are paying and where. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=450 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=444 And we wonder why all these jobs are going over India-way... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=445 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=446 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=447 ...because some people support more government paternalism. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=440 How open is your school district? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=441 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=443 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=439 If Cook County wants to push its residents, businesses and revenue out of town, it's doing a good job. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=438 A slippery slope indeed. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=437 Transparency in government isn't always free, but it is worth the cost. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=433 The latest from City Hall... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=434 Once an advocate for accountable, transparent government, Palatine Township trustee Bill Huley needs to return to his roots. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=426 The Illinois Policy Institute, with the great help of its Liberty Leaders, has a goal of achieving financial transparency throughout all school districts in Illinois. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=429 Misguided faith in Medicare could cause serious repercussions, and very soon. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=430 50,000 earth-lovers will descend upon Denver this summer to formally nominate a Democrat candidate for president. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=431 If history and London's current issues with their Olympics in 2012 can tell us anything... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=415 Charter Schools Work! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=419 'Get Fuzzy' always gets it so right. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=412 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=413 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=414 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=406 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=407 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=411 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=403 Let's see what the free market has cooked up today! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=404 The Champaign County Nursing Home needs serious budget repair. One tool to help mend its financial wounds? Transparency. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=402 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=401 A superintendent is fired for falsifying reports that criticize his administration. What next? A $100K gig as a consultant to another school district...of course. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=400 Another reason why transparency is a good idea if not an absolutely necessity in Illinois, not just with regards to school districts. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=399 He is against it. He is for it. Well, he is for it -- now that he makes some money off the deal?? We don't know. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=394 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=395 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=398 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=392 The Chicago Teachers Union's food fight has provided us with another example of why transparency is such a good idea. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=393 Have your school boards been naughty or nice to citizens? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=389 Transparency needed: Read yet another telling example of how it pays, literally, to have friendly or familial connections with Chicago's politicians. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=390 Governor Blagojevich insists that he did nothing wrong when a board of his appointees approved a loan for his kids' private school in Chicago. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=391 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=385 Oneless economically crippling measure to worry about... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=386 First it was the Senate's restaurant, but today it looks like Congressional Dems want to cut the successful D.C. voucher program, and with it the aspirations of 2000 low-income kids. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=382 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=383 The Better Government Association has compiled a database listing the salary information of city employees in Chicago. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=384 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=381 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=379 Why free school laptops might not be the best idea. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=375 Would your school district pass the open book test? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=373 John Kass provides a colorful commentary on how beneficial life can be if you're related to a politician in Chicago. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=369 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=370 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=371 The free market of course! http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=368 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=367 From the Blog: Illinois schools, now more than $12,000 per student. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=366 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=364 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=363 Some think complete government takeover will solve all our problems. Health care? Nationalize! Education? Nationalize! Now, oil companies too? http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=339 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=338 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=337 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=332 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=331 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=330 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=325 http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=319 Proving once again man's unlimited potential can go both ways... http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=320 Speaker Michael Madigan is allowing single payer to proceed in the House. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=238 Patients left in ambulances for up to FIVE hours 'so trusts can meet government targets', is the headline in the Daily Mail. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=239 Here is my interview this morning on WTAX's Morning News Watch with Bob Murray. http://www.illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=240 I think this clip speaks for itself.