U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Release of AZ Campaign Matching Funds
U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Release of AZ Campaign Matching Funds
A victory for Arizona taxpayers.
Tourism Grants – Spurring the Economy or Wasteful Spending?
Tourism Grants – Spurring the Economy or Wasteful Spending?
Rather than giving special benefits to a few specific tourist attractions, Illinois needs to consider new avenues for attracting tourists, such as decreasing the cost of visiting Illinois by lowering taxes.
Three Million Dollars to Manage DMVs
Three Million Dollars to Manage DMVs
by Mark Cavers In 2008, the state of Illinois employed 72 driver facility managers who made $3,365,732 in combined total wages. Driver facility managers are employees of the Illinois Secretary of State and responsible for the oversight of facility representatives in small and medium-sized downstate driver facility centers. The highest paid manager made $64,125 in 2008, and the average...
Transparency Victory in Quincy, Posts Employee Contracts
Transparency Victory in Quincy, Posts Employee Contracts
On Monday, the council agreed to publish on the city
$10k to Update Route 66 Gas Station
$10k to Update Route 66 Gas Station
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave $10,000 to restore a gas station on the historic Route 66 highway, hoping its location will promote tourism in the area.
Hanover Twp. Needs More Transparency
Hanover Twp. Needs More Transparency
As a resident and taxpayer of Hanover Township I am appalled to see the new allegations of questionable expenditures in the amount of $300,000. It is apparent that appropriate safeguards weren't in place to prevent such actions.
Victory for Rock Island Community
Victory for Rock Island Community
by Kate Piercy Last week the Rock Island County Board decided to give its local elected officials significant pay raises, increasing some by more than $10,000 a year. The Illinois Policy Institute responded, calling on the county board to reverse the salary increases, stand up for fiscal responsibility, vote down the pay raises, and focus...
“Chocolate-themed Meals” Given Boost From Taxpayers
“Chocolate-themed Meals” Given Boost From Taxpayers
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave $1,278.88 to promote advertising for
State Grants Tourism Money for “Amish Experience”
State Grants Tourism Money for “Amish Experience”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) allocated $334,093.16 to fund a tourist attraction aimed at simulating an authentic Amish experience.
Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries
Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries
The Problem Historically, public employees have faced a trade-off: lower wages than the private sector in exchange for job security and generous benefits. That trade-off, however, has been disappearing over the years as government employees enjoy steady increases in wages, even during economic downturns. Meanwhile, businesses in the private sector must cut back or at...
Tourism Grants to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
Tourism Grants to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
In recent years, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association has received funding from three tourism grants totaling nearly $200,000.
School Districts: A Friendly Reminder
School Districts: A Friendly Reminder
A friendly reminder to all school districts in Illinois...
Glenview’s Overnight Transparency Improvements
Glenview’s Overnight Transparency Improvements
The achievements with Glenview, School District 54, and other government agencies demonstrates how easy improving transparency can be.
Could Transparency Have Prevented Hanover Township Corruption?
Could Transparency Have Prevented Hanover Township Corruption?
by Brian Costin As a resident and taxpayer of Hanover Township I am appalled to see the new allegations of corruption and the questionable expenditures in the amount of $300,000 from former Hanover Township employee Aurea Picasso. An article in the Daily Herald notes: “The investigation was launched after Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire discovered what he believes...