Chicago aldermen will be held to higher ethical standards after approving the new mayor’s proposals to repair Chicago’s well-earned reputation for corruption.
A plan that allowed some pension enrollees to cash in early on their earned retirement benefits in exchange for curbing future benefits has so far generated only 3% of its expected savings.
A proposal in the Illinois House would allow lawmakers to forgo their annual cost-of-living increase in base salary. The move comes after former lawmakers sued for back pay.
Data from the American Petroleum Institute confirms doubling Illinois’ motor fuel tax will bring total taxes paid at the pump to third highest in the nation, up from 10th highest a year earlier.
The elections scheduled for November 2020 are already injecting uncertainty into the economy, and the progressive income tax ballot question will make matters worse.
Tackling Illinois corruption isn’t just a moral imperative. It’s a financial necessity.
Further details are emerging in the wake of May raids on longtime allies of Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.
The Chicago mayor unveiled plans to reform the city’s controversial system of handling vehicle violations, which has buried thousands of low-income residents in debt, taken their cars and licenses.
The budget signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker included a $1,600 pay raise for the Illinois General Assembly – which already collects the nation’s 4th-highest base salary for state lawmakers.
The Chicago Teachers Union is threatening to strike, as negotiations with the city begin to stretch into the coming school year. It would be the union’s third strike in seven years.
Drivers who text and cause a crash that seriously hurts someone will face steep penalties under new state law. Ticket was $75 but increases to $1,000 plus license loss for a year.
Without serious property tax relief – including pension reform – it is likely fewer will demand planting roots in Illinois.