Illinois state workers who opted out of union membership see pay increases
Illinois state workers who opted out of union membership see pay increases
State workers previously paying “fair share” fees no longer have money deducted from their paychecks on behalf of a union.
By Mailee Smith
Alton voters will choose whether to eliminate township in November
Alton voters will choose whether to eliminate township in November
Alton residents are paying for two overlapping units of government – the city of Alton and Alton Township. But voters will soon have the chance to slash costs by dissolving the city’s redundant township.
By Vincent Caruso
If Frank Mautino didn’t break the rules, the rules are broken
If Frank Mautino didn’t break the rules, the rules are broken
Mautino might not be corrupt. But his conduct mirrored that of a person engaging in corrupt behavior.
By Austin Berg
Most of Lake County’s largest communities are shrinking
Most of Lake County’s largest communities are shrinking
Many communities in the northern Illinois border county are having trouble attracting and retaining residents.
By Austin Berg
East Moline taxpayers could find savings through school district consolidation
East Moline taxpayers could find savings through school district consolidation
While Quad Cities geography connects East Moline and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf, Illinois’ abundance of school districts means their administrative environments are worlds apart. By consolidating duplicative administrative bodies, East Moline could generate taxpayer savings.
By Vincent Caruso
Illinois lawmaker introduces bill to repeal fireworks ban
Illinois lawmaker introduces bill to repeal fireworks ban
A new bill in the General Assembly would bring consumer fireworks back onto Illinois shelves for the first time in more than 75 years.
By Joe Barnas
Obscure official made more than $2M off Illinois development authorities, connected side business
Obscure official made more than $2M off Illinois development authorities, connected side business
Andrew Hamilton and his consulting firm have collected more than $2 million from eight regional development authorities since 2010.
By Austin Berg, Eddie Damstra
More than 75 years later, Illinois’ fireworks ban still law of the land
More than 75 years later, Illinois’ fireworks ban still law of the land
Next year, state lawmakers should explore making rockets’ red glare a legal pastime instead of a liability.
By Austin Berg
East Alton eyes $35K in savings, but pension woes loom much larger
East Alton eyes $35K in savings, but pension woes loom much larger
Severely underwater public safety pensions have already derailed the finances of other municipalities, such as Harvey and North Chicago.
By Vincent Caruso
Government unions cry foul over Janus, but ignore solution to ‘free rider’ claims
Government unions cry foul over Janus, but ignore solution to ‘free rider’ claims
A bill freeing government unions from representing nonmember workers has been filed multiple times in recent years. But rather than rally around it, government unions stand in the way.
By Mailee Smith
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
We too often call it the “Fourth of July” and lose sight of its true meaning – independence. Independence from tyranny and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
By John Tillman
Bottle racket: Illinois’ high alcohol taxes boost cost of Independence Day celebrations
Bottle racket: Illinois’ high alcohol taxes boost cost of Independence Day celebrations
The Land of Lincoln has some of the highest alcohol taxes in the Midwest. And Illinoisans preparing for Independence Day are feeling the pinch.
By Joe Barnas, Eddie Damstra