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
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.
By Austin Berg
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.
By Heather Weiner
Choose Chicago an epic cut for Rauner
Choose Chicago an epic cut for Rauner
State money for city branding is nonessential.
By Austin Berg
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.
By Matt Paprocki
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.
By Ted Dabrowski
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.