Driverless trains: Why does Chicago lag behind London?
Driverless trains: Why does Chicago lag behind London?
Driverless trains and buses could dramatically reduce the cost of Chicago’s expensive public transportation system, resulting in much-needed savings for taxpayers.
All three major credit rating agencies declare CPS bonds ‘junk’ grade
All three major credit rating agencies declare CPS bonds ‘junk’ grade
Another credit downgrade for the Chicago Board of Education’s debt demonstrates the urgency of immediate fiscal reforms.
By John Klingner
Union arbitration bill would hurt Illinois taxpayers
Union arbitration bill would hurt Illinois taxpayers
If state politicians override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of SB 1229, they would remove even more state spending from taxpayer oversight.
By Jim Long
House rejects Madigan’s attempt to clog federal-funds pass-through bill
House rejects Madigan’s attempt to clog federal-funds pass-through bill
Through this latest bit of gamesmanship, Madigan delayed the enactment of the state’s uncontroversial federal-funds pass-through legislation.
By Amy Korte, Heather Weiner
Rauner’s 4 reforms to keep child care subsidy afloat for low-income families
Rauner’s 4 reforms to keep child care subsidy afloat for low-income families
Despite lacking a budget, Gov. Bruce Rauner is continuing CCAP for families currently receiving its services.
Chicago and Detroit: Trading places?
Chicago and Detroit: Trading places?
As Chicago slides toward insolvency, the Motor City is trending upward.
By Ted Dabrowski
Rauner vetoes will stand, Madigan’s unconstitutional budget dies today
Rauner vetoes will stand, Madigan’s unconstitutional budget dies today
To craft a balanced budget, lawmakers must go back to the drawing board.
By Heather Weiner
Fitch ‘junk’ downgrade for Chicago Board of Education highlights fantasy bond ratings
Fitch ‘junk’ downgrade for Chicago Board of Education highlights fantasy bond ratings
Chicago will continue to slide down the ratings table.
Madigan files, passes bill to nix lawmaker pay raises after blocking similar bill for weeks
Madigan files, passes bill to nix lawmaker pay raises after blocking similar bill for weeks
Amid the eighth week without a state budget, Illinois political gamesmanship rages on.
By Austin Berg
Trashed again: Fitch joins Moody’s in declaring Chicago Board of Education credit ‘junk’
Trashed again: Fitch joins Moody’s in declaring Chicago Board of Education credit ‘junk’
If the district can’t get its finances in order, expect more teacher layoffs, school closings and large tax increases on Chicagoans.
By John Klingner
Rauner signs bill stopping welfare payments for the dead
Rauner signs bill stopping welfare payments for the dead
Illinois has spent millions of dollars on the deceased in recent years.
By Austin Berg
Illinois lawmakers receive generous, life-long health insurance
Illinois lawmakers receive generous, life-long health insurance
Illinois taxpayers spent $1.23 million this past year to provide health insurance to state lawmakers.
By Scott Reeder
Illinois politicians to receive pay raises despite Rauner efforts
Illinois politicians to receive pay raises despite Rauner efforts
Failing to pass a balanced budget is of little consequence to the state’s political class.
By Austin Berg
Hidden bill: Chicago taxpayers and the Windy City crisis
Hidden bill: Chicago taxpayers and the Windy City crisis
Each Chicago household is on the hook for more than $63,800 in future tax bills – much of it for services already rendered.
By Ted Dabrowski