Will the new AFSCME contract keep letting workers off the hook for missing work?
Will the new AFSCME contract keep letting workers off the hook for missing work?
Imagine a football game where the referees threw flags and called out penalties, but never actually marked off the yardage. That’s exactly how the “Affirmative Attendance Policy” within the previous American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees works: a state worker can blow off work at least 10 times with nothing worse than a...
By Paul Kersey
How a state government employee can get a 30 percent raise in just four years
How a state government employee can get a 30 percent raise in just four years
The convoluted process of figuring out a unionized state government employee’s wages is a prime example of why the collective bargaining process needs more sunshine. While we wait for details on the contract that the state agreed to with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, it’s worth examining how to figure out...
By Paul Kersey
Illinois state lawmakers should say no to ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion
Illinois state lawmakers should say no to ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion
Senate Democrats pushed through Senate Bill 26, which would impose ObamaCare’s massive expansion of Medicaid on Illinois, on Feb. 28. The bill passed on a party-line vote. You may recall that when this bill was debated in committee, proponents were allowed an hour of testimony – I was given less than one minute to testify in opposition. It’s a...
By Jonathan Ingram
Illinois good government bills watch list
Illinois good government bills watch list
The 2013 legislative session is in full swing and there are a number of good government reform bills that have been introduced by legislators of both parties. While much of the focus in the media and at the Illinois Policy Institute is rightly on big-dollar issues such as pension and Medicaid reform, there are many other issues...
By Brian Costin
State lawmakers sponsor legislation to match Budget Solutions reforms
State lawmakers sponsor legislation to match Budget Solutions reforms
On Feb. 28, the Illinois Policy Institute held a press conference to publicly release its alternative budget plan, entitled Budget Solutions 2014. This 10-point plan offers responsible solutions to Illinois’ fiscal crisis. State Reps. Tom Morrison, Jeanne Ives, Dwight Kay and state Sen. Kyle McCarter showed their support and attended the press conference. Budget Solutions...
By Jane McEnaney
The sequester: a small a step in the right direction
The sequester: a small a step in the right direction
“Illinois will lose approximately $33.4 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 460 teacher and aide jobs at risk.” “Up to 1,100 disadvantaged and vulnerable children could lose access to child care.” “Illinois would lose approximately $764,000 in funds that provide meals for seniors.” “Vital services will be cut for children, seniors,...
By Chris Andriesen
The new AFSCME contract: a deal Illinois can’t afford
The new AFSCME contract: a deal Illinois can’t afford
Gov. Pat Quinn managed to avoid a government worker strike, but that doesn’t spell success. There is still much that remains unknown about the terms of the tentative agreement that Illinois just reached with Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, but the main features that are emerging paint a...
By Paul Kersey
Cook County cigarette tax hike takes effect today
Cook County cigarette tax hike takes effect today
Health nuts and anti-tobacco fanatics, get out your streamers and champagne: Cook County’s new $1 per pack cigarette tax hike goes into effect today. Contrary to the so-called health conscious intentions of this tax’s creators, however, Cook County smokers will continue to buy cigarettes. Lots of them. Last year, Cook County brought in approximately $115 million...
By Hilary Gowins
Laying the groundwork for a true economic turnaround in Illinois
Laying the groundwork for a true economic turnaround in Illinois
Illinois lawmakers passed a 67% income tax hike in 2011. They said that the tax hike would be temporary, making a promise to taxpayers that it would sunset on Jan. 1st, 2015. But there have been absolutely no reform efforts to date that would reduce spending enough for lawmakers to keep their promise. And with...
By Benjamin VanMetre
New AFSCME contract?
New AFSCME contract?
Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees announced a few minutes ago that they have reached a tentative agreement with the state of Illinois. As of right now the terms are unknown. While they will leak out to the public slowly, there is no guarantee that the general public will get...
By Paul Kersey
Wrong-way Illinois: state unemployment jumps as national unemployment rate continues to fall
Wrong-way Illinois: state unemployment jumps as national unemployment rate continues to fall
Another 35,000 added to unemployment in February
From Dixon to Springfield: freshman state representative fights public corruption
From Dixon to Springfield: freshman state representative fights public corruption
State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, is a freshman state legislator from the home of the infamous Rita Crundwell, the former Dixon Comptroller.
Follow the money: CPS school closings, teacher layoffs mean lost union dues
Follow the money: CPS school closings, teacher layoffs mean lost union dues
After Chicago Public Schools officials gave notice that the district would be closing 54 schools and a total of 61 buildings, Chicago Teachers Union leaders were quick to decry the move, citing concern for students and fear of ruining neighborhoods.
Illinois lawmakers want to ban dogs behind the wheel of a car
Illinois lawmakers want to ban dogs behind the wheel of a car
Its about time we let those we elect know that we can take care of ourselves.