by John Tillman Below, you will see a link to my brief response to Gov. Quinn’s 2012 State-of-the-State speech presented at noon today in Springfield. The overarching theme with the Governor’s speech is that Illinois is moving forward and is “back on course.” How does that square with the people of Illinois? Actually, 74% say the...
It's time for honest answers about Illinois' record income tax hike.
As Gov. Pat Quinn prepares for the State of the State address on Feb. 1, he will find it difficult to defend the state’s economic policies that have resulted in more unemployed Illinoisans in 2011. Almost a year after Illinois’ record income tax increase, the state’s unemployment woes contrast starkly with the slow but positive...
A new pension calculator allows individuals to see just how generous government employee pensions really are.
One year after Illinois’ Democratic leaders pushed through a record tax hike, the grades are in. The tax hike flunked. It failed to put Illinois on sound fiscal footing. It failed at restoring confidence in government’s ability to meet serious challenges head on. It failed to strengthen the state’s economy. It failed to create opportunity...
Enough is enough! If you want to join the battle to turn around the State of Illinois then here's 7 ways to help repeal the 2011 income tax hike in Illinois.
Michael Barone is a renowned and respected political historian who is at the forefront of American political coverage.
The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget.
The problem Illinois is facing a fiscal crisis. The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget. Lawmakers have known of this situation for years, but thus far have not adopted a comprehensive solution. The state faces an $85 billion unfunded liability to its pensions systems. It owes another $45 billion...
Suggested reading for the week of January 2.
This three-part series by the Illinois Policy Institute specifically focuses on the impact rising retirement costs will have on education funding at various levels.
CPS pension costs rising faster than state aid can keep up.
Collin Hitt talks about the Institute's Pensions vs. schools report series.
The problem Illinois is facing a fiscal crisis. The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget. Lawmakers have known of this situation for years, but thus far have not adopted a comprehensive solution. The state faces an $85 billion unfunded liability to its pensions systems. It owes another $45 billion...