Chicago’s thirst for taxes
Chicago’s thirst for taxes
Cook County’s penny-per-ounce soda tax is just the latest in a long history of beverage taxes in Chicago.
New Cook County minimum wage, sick leave mandates burden Skokie businesses
New Cook County minimum wage, sick leave mandates burden Skokie businesses
Onerous regulations drag down Skokie businesses trying to stay afloat and provide job opportunities for residents who need them.
Madigan’s rules kill reform efforts
Madigan’s rules kill reform efforts
A post-mortem on Illinois’ 2017 regular legislative session shows missed opportunities for taxpayer savings.
DAILY LINKS / 8.16.2017
Chicago Tribune: Rauner gets his day at State Fair as Madigan calls meeting at Capitol State Journal-Register: House won’t vote on education bill veto override Wednesday Chicago Tribune: Lawmakers, quit toying with Illinois schools and their 2 million students Chicago Tribune: New state science test raises the bar but proficiency drops Chicago Tribune: Rauner expected to approve Illinois' revived corporate tax incentives Chicago Tribune: Metra board could choose new CEO today Chicago Tribune: The Metra board of directors on Wednesday is expected to vote on a new executive director to replace Don Orseno, who is retiring at the end of the year. No board members interviewed would say what names will be considered when they meet in executive session during their regular monthly meeting. Members said there are a few different candidates, both from within and outside of the commuter rail agency. Chicago Sun-Times: House Republicans to introduce bill to block Cook County pop tax Decatur Herald & Review: Richland board approves $820K in bonds Belleville News-Democrat: Jet Aviation in Cahokia to lay off 330 employeesReport: Philadelphia’s soda tax ‘failing’
Report: Philadelphia’s soda tax ‘failing’
Cook County residents should be wary in the wake of Philadelphia’s disappointing experiment in soda taxes.
More than 2 years later, AFSCME still fighting state on new contract
More than 2 years later, AFSCME still fighting state on new contract
Since the expiration of AFSCME’s contract with the state of Illinois on July 1, 2015, the union has ignored the state’s financial plight, sticking to its demands and refusing reasonable contract provisions offered by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Cook County soda tax could cost Illinois $87 million in federal food stamp funding
Cook County soda tax could cost Illinois $87 million in federal food stamp funding
Certain provisions of Cook County’s penny-per-ounce soda tax could cost Illinois more than $86 million in federal administrative funding.
Cook County commissioners file ordinance to repeal soda tax
Cook County commissioners file ordinance to repeal soda tax
Commissioners from both parties are supporting a repeal effort of the sweetened beverage tax following widespread public outcry.
Illinois House Speaker Madigan now the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history
Illinois House Speaker Madigan now the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history
Madigan has now controlled his chamber as speaker for more than 11,900 days.
Madigan calls session on Governor’s Day
Madigan calls session on Governor’s Day
The House speaker’s spokesman claims the session is not a political move.
Mattoon’s GE Lighting plant to have its final day of production
Mattoon’s GE Lighting plant to have its final day of production
The factory will close its doors after more than 70 years of making lighting components.
Foxconn to open new plant in Michigan
Foxconn to open new plant in Michigan
The announcement comes on the heels of the manufacturing giant’s decision to invest in Wisconsin.
More Chicago Public Schools layoffs on the way
More Chicago Public Schools layoffs on the way
Chicago Public Schools’ teacher and staff layoff announcement comes as the district pushes for more state money despite Chicago’s millions in TIF funds.