Reports that give Illinois pensions a rotten grade are not evidence government workers need better benefits. What they need is a properly managed, financially solid system. Adding more costs to a fiscal mess helps no one.
Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners can expect an average lifetime payout of $8.47 million despite just $333,844 being contributed during their careers. That’s $1 in, $25 out, thanks to taxpayers.
The Chicago Teachers Union is encouraging students and staff to miss school for a political rally, which includes protests against McDonald’s restaurants and guacamole.
Deep-blue Illinois had President Biden to bail out the state’s and Chicago’s financial failings. Now city and state leaders have President Trump to blame for their financial failings. Eventually, taxpayers will be held responsible.
The new Chicago Teachers Union contract grows an education model that is failing students while attacking parents’ ability to choose alternatives. All that, at a higher cost.
Illinois motorists should expect another motor fuel tax increase this summer when the gas tax jumps again. Illinoisans already pay the second-highest gas taxes in the country, but state leaders are worried about not having enough to spend.
Granny flats and basement dwellings could help with housing affordability, but Chicago’s outdated zoning rules make them nearly impossible to build. Those rules were created to promote economic and racial segregation. They need to be changed
“When I was 17, I was in a gang. On the first day of my senior year, I got in a confrontation with a rival gang that started chasing me. A friend of mine saw this and fired at them and hit an innocent bystander.” “By the theory of accountability, I was convicted of first-degree...
Illinois’ inefficient spending on its transportation needs led the state to spend more as its roads got worse. But there is a solution if the state can minimize politics in the decision process and prioritize public need.
“The truth is, I had always had a good educational upbringing, and a good family. But the allure of the streets just got me at an early age and it led me down a wrong path.” “While I was incarcerated, I went back to those educational roots. I poured myself into rehabilitating myself and becoming...
Illinois’ Tier 2 is a great retirement benefit for long-term state workers. But those who don’t spend their careers in government could be better served by the flexibility and portability of a defined contribution plan.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ questionable spending, as revealed in its own federal reporting, could be driving members away from the union.