The state’s complex and duplicative social-welfare system is punishing many of those who seek to move up the ladder of economic opportunity.
Illinois’ state-government compensation ratio – in other words, what state employees are paid relative to the state’s private-sector workers – is two-thirds higher than the national average.
Revenues will not solve the problem. Illinois lawmakers need to look at spending.
The DCEO’s decision to play by its own rules deserves scrutiny not only because of its monetary cost, but because it involves a fiduciary failure symptomatic of governmental disregard for the rule of law. It exemplifies a political culture that must change if Illinois government is to turn the corner and move toward restoration and renewal.
A transcript of Governor Bruce Rauner's Inauguration speech on January 12, 2014.
As the state faces its most pressing budget crisis ever, it is time to rethink how much of its income-tax revenue it can afford to pass back to local governments.
A case study on the insider’s game of EDGE tax credits
With a lame-duck session dead in the water, the 2011 income-tax hikes will sunset on schedule; a minimum-wage debate will wait until Rauner takes office; and taxpayers will not be on the hook for a state-funded health insurance exchange.
The governor-elect has shown wisdom in his first steps to address budget challenges. Illinoisans should hope the trend continues once Rauner takes office.
The average American pays $6,000 in subsidies to corporations every year, but that gigantic chunk of taxpayer change simply is not enough for some special interests.
Illinois has the highest income taxes on the poor of almost any state in the country, but the solution is not simply to raise taxes on the wealthy, as some constantly push for in Illinois.
Fiscal year 2015 will be a key to future budget success. Is the governor-elect up to the task?
The governor-elect could deliver a blow to Illinois’ pension woes, with or without SB 1, by pushing for 401(k)-style plans.
Illinois taxpayers are the ones who must ultimately pay the price for crony deals.