Cook County judge rules some state workers get minimum wage in absence of budget
Cook County judge rules some state workers get minimum wage in absence of budget
Figuring out who qualifies for the payments will be a logistical nightmare, according to the state comptroller’s office.
By Heather Weiner
June brings warnings of 1,400 layoffs in Illinois
June brings warnings of 1,400 layoffs in Illinois
Janitorial, food-service and coal jobs are among the casualties of mass layoffs in June.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ manufacturing workers take home lowest pay in the Midwest
Illinois’ manufacturing workers take home lowest pay in the Midwest
The state’s beleaguered manufacturing sector is hurting worker interests.
By Bobby Shaw
Budget deal should include repealing Illinois’ economic loss leaders
Budget deal should include repealing Illinois’ economic loss leaders
Illinois’ death tax, corporate franchise tax and LLC fees cause disproportionate economic harm compared to how much tax revenue they generate.
By Michael Lucci
Rauner vetoes raises for state lawmakers
Rauner vetoes raises for state lawmakers
Like so many Illinoisans working in a stagnant state economy, state lawmakers will not receive pay raises this year. But House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton will still receive bonuses in excess of $25,000.
By Austin Berg
Leaving children alone can come with lifelong consequences for Illinois families
Leaving children alone can come with lifelong consequences for Illinois families
One story shows how poorly written laws can cost responsible parents their livelihoods.
By Jeffrey Schwab
Speeding ticket can cost you more than $900 in Illinois
Speeding ticket can cost you more than $900 in Illinois
True ticket costs are hard to stomach in many Illinois cities.
By Austin Berg
Yes, Illinois still bans fireworks
Yes, Illinois still bans fireworks
The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.
By Austin Berg
In budget battle, Illinois leaders should respect the Constitution
In budget battle, Illinois leaders should respect the Constitution
State leaders took an oath to uphold the Illinois Constitution. But they show deference to the document only as it suits them.
3 prevailing budget truths for Illinois
3 prevailing budget truths for Illinois
Three facts prove that sensible spending coupled with pro-growth reforms is the solution to the current crisis. 1. Illinois has a spending problem. Not a revenue problem. If Illinois spending had grown at the same rate as inflation and Illinois’ population, the state’s expenditures would have been $8 billion less than they were in 2014. Extending...
By Ted Dabrowski