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
Saving CCP: Budget reforms preserve benefits for elderly residents in need
Saving CCP: Budget reforms preserve benefits for elderly residents in need
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s recent actions highlight the need for change in the Illinois Department of Aging’s largest program.
Madigan, Cullerton and the absurdity of Springfield’s budget blame game
Madigan, Cullerton and the absurdity of Springfield’s budget blame game
Responsibility for Illinois’ sorry state of affairs falls at the feet of House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and their combined 80 years in state government.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants full of waste
Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants full of waste
Taxpayers are on the hook for $8 million a year in wasteful grants for amenities ranging from dog parks to disc-golf courses.
Illinoisans suffer, politicians get paid should General Assembly fail to pass balanced budget
Illinoisans suffer, politicians get paid should General Assembly fail to pass balanced budget
If state lawmakers fail to pass a balanced budget by a three-fifths majority vote, essential programs will be harmed. But thanks to House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, politicians will still get their paychecks.
‘Bond Girl’ on Chicago and the quality of credit analysis in the municipal bond market
‘Bond Girl’ on Chicago and the quality of credit analysis in the municipal bond market
The insight in Culpepper’s report is detailed and damning.