15 southern Illinois counties drop in population
15 southern Illinois counties drop in population
Fifteen counties in the southernmost part of Illinois lost population from July 2015 to July 2016, fueled by significant domestic migration.
While Metro East residents struggle, local lawmakers continue to get paid over 2-week spring break
While Metro East residents struggle, local lawmakers continue to get paid over 2-week spring break
Local state Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, and Daniel Beiser, D-Alton, are still getting paid even though the state still does not have a balanced budget.
Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’
Illinois Tollway fees a good example of how Illinois politicians interpret ‘temporary’
Illinois politicians are once again eyeing a “temporary” tax increase, and residents should be wary. History shows Illinois politicians favor tax hikes over spending reform, and the Tollway and 2011 income tax battle offer examples of the dangers taxpayers face when politicians toy with a temporary tax hike.
Multibillion-dollar tax hikes will only exacerbate Illinois’ weak economic activity
Multibillion-dollar tax hikes will only exacerbate Illinois’ weak economic activity
The latest report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows Illinois experienced falling tax collections, indicating trouble in the state economy. Spending reforms – not tax hikes – are what Illinois needs to right its fiscal ship and boost economic growth.
Belleville District 201 board approves 5 administrator salaries over $100k
Belleville District 201 board approves 5 administrator salaries over $100k
Though the median household income in Belleville is only $43,318, Belleville Township School District 201’s top administrators are making six-figure salaries.
House bill would regulate ‘trampoline safety’
House bill would regulate ‘trampoline safety’
Instead of spending time on economic reforms, politicians crafted a bill that would apply new rules and regulations on trampoline safety that would add thousands of dollars in costs for equipment, travel and overtime for inspections.
Democracy in Illinois is a shell game
Democracy in Illinois is a shell game
House Speaker Mike Madigan and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin used shell bills to avoid the March 31 deadline for bills to pass out of committee. Madigan passed 936 shell bills. Durkin passed 528. Meanwhile, thousands of substantive bills died without so much as a committee hearing.
Gary Amass
Gary Amass
“My job with Chrysler is the longest job I’ve ever had. I’ll have 30 years under my belt in May, all in automotive manufacturing and assembly. “People on the line, a lot of them say ‘you work for what you want, it’s not handed to you.’ That’s one of the things I like about my...
Spring Break 2017
Spring Break 2017
Illinois comptroller issues self, lawmakers paychecks despite appeal of circuit court’s ruling
Illinois comptroller issues self, lawmakers paychecks despite appeal of circuit court’s ruling
Rank-and-file lawmakers have received paychecks of more than $50,800.
After mass layoffs, a chilling look back at CAT’s plea for reforms
After mass layoffs, a chilling look back at CAT’s plea for reforms
In February 2012, Caterpillar’s then-CEO Doug Oberhelman outlined needed reforms to save Illinois manufacturing jobs. State lawmakers have failed to act, and the Land of Lincoln is the only state in the region to lose manufacturing jobs since.
Making sense of the economics of Illinois
Making sense of the economics of Illinois
Illinois has all of the necessary elements for success.
Illinois lawmaker proposes taxing landscaping and other lawn services
Illinois lawmaker proposes taxing landscaping and other lawn services
SB 9 is part of the package of bills that make up the Senate “grand bargain,” which would have hiked taxes by $7 billion.
Illinois lawmakers head out for 2-week spring break without passing a budget
Illinois lawmakers head out for 2-week spring break without passing a budget
Though Illinois lawmakers leave without addressing the current fiscal impasse, it’s been 16 years since the General Assembly last balanced the budget.