Illinois House Democrats pass temporary budget, Senate must concur, Rauner says he won’t sign
Illinois House Democrats pass temporary budget, Senate must concur, Rauner says he won’t sign
Even if Senate Bill 2040 passes into law, it only buys the General Assembly a couple of weeks.
By Darlene Senger
New bill would suspend Illinois lawmaker pay during budget impasse
New bill would suspend Illinois lawmaker pay during budget impasse
It is wrong that the General Assembly doesn’t have to feel the impact of their actions when they are responsible for other Illinoisans not receiving paychecks.
By Heather Weiner
Illinois’ fiscal health ranks worst in the nation
Illinois’ fiscal health ranks worst in the nation
A new study puts Illinois’ state finances in dead last among the 50 states.
By Bobby Shaw
Growth through tax hikes? Illinois tried it – and failed
Growth through tax hikes? Illinois tried it – and failed
Arguing that tax hikes are a precursor to growth and a flood of new residents is simply backward.
By Ted Dabrowski
Rally around the flag
Rally around the flag
Smashing the status quo means respecting Illinoisans’ interests.
By John Tillman
Who really deserves blame in Illinois’ budget impasse?
Who really deserves blame in Illinois’ budget impasse?
If nothing is getting done in the Capitol, voters should look first to those most capable of taking swift action: Madigan and his Democrat supermajority.
By Heather Weiner
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
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
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
Failed $2.2 billion temporary budget was unbalanced, more of the same for Illinois, according to GOMB
Failed $2.2 billion temporary budget was unbalanced, more of the same for Illinois, according to GOMB
A last-ditch attempt at a temporary budget represented the same untenable spending pattern that taxpayers cannot afford.
By Jonelle Lesniak
It’s time for a true balanced-budget requirement for Illinois
It’s time for a true balanced-budget requirement for Illinois
For years Illinois politicians have used borrowing and budgeting gimmicks to give the false appearance of balanced budget.
By Ted Dabrowski
Ending Illinois’ budget crisis: No more business as usual
Ending Illinois’ budget crisis: No more business as usual
Flooding Springfield’s coffers with new money is a tried-and-failed approach.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
10 facts about Illinois’ budget showdown
10 facts about Illinois’ budget showdown
The new fiscal year has started, and Illinois doesn’t have a state budget. Now what?
By Jeffrey Schwab