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?
Tax growth approaches double the pace of income growth in Illinois
Tax growth approaches double the pace of income growth in Illinois
Money flowing to Illinois’ state and local governments grew much faster than the average Illinoisans’ paycheck from 1969-2012.
Obama urges Congress to pass law letting Puerto Rico declare bankruptcy, time to let Illinois do the same
Obama urges Congress to pass law letting Puerto Rico declare bankruptcy, time to let Illinois do the same
If the White House wants to give Puerto Rico the right to bankruptcy, it should extend the option to all states and territories.
Are we there yet? Breaking down Illinois’ budget battle
Are we there yet? Breaking down Illinois’ budget battle
As legislative leaders attempt to play games long seen in Springfield, Rauner remains resolute on breaking the status quo.
Choose Chicago an epic cut for Rauner
Choose Chicago an epic cut for Rauner
State money for city branding is nonessential.
Illinois’ budget waiting game gets complicated
Illinois’ budget waiting game gets complicated
As lawmakers stand at an impasse, different deadlines mean different things for Illinoisans.
Chicago’s idea for ending ‘unsustainable financial practices’? Billion-dollar borrowing
Chicago’s idea for ending ‘unsustainable financial practices’? Billion-dollar borrowing
The city’s long-term borrowing is akin to a Chicagoan taking on a mortgage to pay down credit-card bills she will never be able to pay off anyway.
Illinois politicians play chicken with taxpayers over budget
Illinois politicians play chicken with taxpayers over budget
House Speaker Mike Madigan wants tax hikes before any reforms pass. Of course, if there are tax hikes, there will not be reform.
Rauner suspends state money for county-fair prizes
Rauner suspends state money for county-fair prizes
The state gave $5.1 million to county fairs in fiscal year 2015, including $1.7 million for prizes and competitions.
Burning Illinois’ tobacco hotline is a no-brainer
Burning Illinois’ tobacco hotline is a no-brainer
The Tobacco Quitline’s admirable work is already being carried out at no cost to taxpayers.
Budget battle highlights rigged rules in Illinois’ legislative process
Budget battle highlights rigged rules in Illinois’ legislative process
Illinoisans need structure and fairness in their state government. But in Springfield, the rules are often written by the controlling party to its own advantage.
Killing Illiana: Closing the road to nowhere a win for Illinois
Killing Illiana: Closing the road to nowhere a win for Illinois
Why the nightmare named Illiana should be scrapped once and for all.
Suspending state energy assistance opens door for reform in Illinois
Suspending state energy assistance opens door for reform in Illinois
With the right reforms, Illinois can provide energy assistance to people who need it without using scarce state dollars.
Solving Illinois’ pension crisis
Solving Illinois’ pension crisis
Actuarial analysis offers options to transition to a defined-contribution retirement plan