7 ways to help repeal the income tax hike
7 ways to help repeal the income tax hike
Enough is enough! If you want to join the battle to turn around the State of Illinois then here's 7 ways to help repeal the 2011 income tax hike in Illinois.
Illinois’ pensions are crowding out services
Illinois’ pensions are crowding out services
The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget.
Pensions vs. schools: Chicago Public Schools
Pensions vs. schools: Chicago Public Schools
The problem Illinois is facing a fiscal crisis. The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget. Lawmakers have known of this situation for years, but thus far have not adopted a comprehensive solution. The state faces an $85 billion unfunded liability to its pensions systems. It owes another $45 billion...
Pensions vs. schools: Chicago Public Schools
Pensions vs. schools: Chicago Public Schools
CPS pension costs rising faster than state aid can keep up.
Institute on WTAX Springfield: Pensions vs. schools
Institute on WTAX Springfield: Pensions vs. schools
Collin Hitt talks about the Institute's Pensions vs. schools report series.
Pensions vs. schools: Downstate and suburban PK-12 education
Pensions vs. schools: Downstate and suburban PK-12 education
The problem Illinois is facing a fiscal crisis. The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget. Lawmakers have known of this situation for years, but thus far have not adopted a comprehensive solution. The state faces an $85 billion unfunded liability to its pensions systems. It owes another $45 billion...
How refreshing: “Missouri Legislature opens with no-tax-hike pledges”
How refreshing: “Missouri Legislature opens with no-tax-hike pledges”
A fresh start with the right priorities.
Pensions vs. schools: Higher education
Pensions vs. schools: Higher education
The problem Illinois is facing a fiscal crisis. The expense of retirement benefits is overwhelming many areas of the state budget. Lawmakers have known of this situation for years, but thus far have not adopted a comprehensive solution. The state faces an $85 billion unfunded liability to its pensions systems. It owes another $45 billion...
Illinois legislators sweat the small stuff
Illinois legislators sweat the small stuff
by Kristina Rasmussen Illinois has trouble. Big trouble. Our public pension system is one market crash away from disaster. Our unemployment numbers are over 10 percent. People are hightailing it for greener pastures. You’d think Illinois legislators would focus on turning this state around with bold reforms. Think again. Even as the Illinois General Assembly failed to address the pension crisis,...
Durbin can’t have it both ways
Durbin can’t have it both ways
by Kristina Rasmussen U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D) is hitting the media circuit raising concerns about stalled efforts to extend a temporary payroll tax holiday, warning that without action Illinois families will see their paychecks shrink: “A hundred and sixty million workers across America, 12 days from now, will see their payroll tax go up,” said Senator...
Elgin city tax hike
Elgin city tax hike
The Elgin City Council plans to vote tonight on a new budget that increases taxes and adds new fees. The Council has chosen to pursue new revenue sources to fill a $4.5 million deficit, rather than run a more efficient government. This strategy of higher taxes only compounds the problems that average Illinoisans and residents of Elgin...
Budget Hawk, meet Tree Hugger: Coalition calls for the end of FutureGen earmark
Budget Hawk, meet Tree Hugger: Coalition calls for the end of FutureGen earmark
by Kristina Rasmussen Today I stood up with a left-right coalition to call for the end of the FutureGen earmark. Details are below. Illinois Farmers, Government Watchdogs, and Environmentalists Hold Press Conference on FutureGen and Its Implications on the Federal Budget and Environment Springfield, Illinois—Today, representatives of Taxpayers for Common Sense, The Heartland Institute, Friends of...
Perfectly progressive
Perfectly progressive
by Kristina Rasmussen Illinois’ flat tax is one of the few bright spots in our state’s tax code. It’s simple, fair and good for growth. And, as NRO’s Kevin Williamson puts it, a flat tax is perfectly progressive: One’s income-tax liability is perfectly proportional to one’s income: At 10 percent, that means $10 on $100 in income, and...
Small business alert: Tax relief is waiting for you?
Small business alert: Tax relief is waiting for you?
by Dan Proft In January of this year, Gov. Pat Quinn, House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton passed the largest tax increase in Illinois history. They proceeded to spend much of 2011 carving out special exceptions to the tax hike for politically powerful Illinois employers. This week, Sears and the CME Group...