For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?
For Speaker Madigan, when do drips become a flood?
A few brave souls have come forward with their stories about the behavior under Madigan’s dome. But how many still feel powerless?
General Assembly passes bill expanding medical marijuana access as opioid alternative
General Assembly passes bill expanding medical marijuana access as opioid alternative
Lawmakers in Springfield are seeking to offer patients with debilitating conditions the option to replace opioids with medical marijuana.
McHenry County state’s attorney: Consolidate townships
McHenry County state’s attorney: Consolidate townships
An investigation into the office of a former township official concluded with no criminal charges. But the probe did find evidence that calls into question the merits of township governance.
Restrictions on pension spiking a win for Illinois taxpayers
Restrictions on pension spiking a win for Illinois taxpayers
Illinois’ fiscal year 2019 spending plan includes reforms to discourage some irresponsible spending by local governments.
Madigan chief of staff resigns after sexual harassment allegations
Madigan chief of staff resigns after sexual harassment allegations
Tim Mapes has resigned from his posts in Madigan’s office and the Democratic Party of Illinois after a fellow staff member accused him of sexual harassment.
As city of Springfield sees taxes rise, its population falls
As city of Springfield sees taxes rise, its population falls
With pension debt straining city finances, local politicians have insisted on turning to its declining population for more tax revenue.
Rhode Island city offers dire warning to Illinois municipalities struggling with pension debt
Rhode Island city offers dire warning to Illinois municipalities struggling with pension debt
Central Falls, Rhode Island, filed for bankruptcy largely because of pension debt. If Illinois municipalities can’t meet or lower their pension obligations, they too could face fiscal collapse.
Taxpayers, reformers at a structural disadvantage in Illinois budgeting
Taxpayers, reformers at a structural disadvantage in Illinois budgeting
Yes, the state has a budget. But how that budget came to be reveals the reasons our state continues to spend with abandon, tax too much and fail in fostering an economy where its people can prosper.
Cullerton budget: Whose Line is it Anyway?
Cullerton budget: Whose Line is it Anyway?
Rauner signs spending plan into law
Rauner signs spending plan into law
While it’s the closest the state has come to passing a balanced budget in years, Illinois’ new spending plan leaves a lot to be desired for taxpayers.
Bill amending prohibitive liquor licensing law goes to governor’s desk
Bill amending prohibitive liquor licensing law goes to governor’s desk
The measure would relax statewide restrictions on liquor licensure and encourage local control.
Illinois General Assembly passes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers
Illinois General Assembly passes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers
A bill that would raise the minimum salary for teachers to $40,000 now awaits Gov. Bruce Rauner’s signature.
Budget gimmicks explained: Why the new Illinois spending plan is not balanced
Budget gimmicks explained: Why the new Illinois spending plan is not balanced
Lawmakers claiming to have passed a balanced budget are relying on a number of common, but deceptive, budget maneuvers.
Belleville school districts are ripe for consolidation
Belleville school districts are ripe for consolidation
Illinois has more units of local government than any other state in the country, many of which are duplicative and overlapping. In Belleville, where the majority of the city’s school districts cover fewer students than the state average, consolidation efforts could boost efficiency while saving taxpayer dollars.