McConnell says he favors allowing states to declare bankruptcy
McConnell says he favors allowing states to declare bankruptcy
As Illinois teeters on the edge of a junk credit rating, one key policymaker is floating bankruptcy as a solution.
Patronage hires lead to federal oversight of Cook County Clerk’s office
Patronage hires lead to federal oversight of Cook County Clerk’s office
An illegal patronage operation brought on federal oversight when Karen Yarbrough was Cook County’s recorder of deeds. It’s happened again to her as county clerk.
Illinois spent $17 million on masks from China that may be unusable
Illinois spent $17 million on masks from China that may be unusable
The state is attempting to shore up its supply of personal protection equipment, but received millions of masks the state health department recommended only using in a crisis.
Illinois payrolls see largest monthly drop since Great Recession
Illinois payrolls see largest monthly drop since Great Recession
State sheds 34,100 jobs during early stages of COVID-19 economic fallout.
Jason Bauer: Walnut Acres
Jason Bauer: Walnut Acres
“The state was very unprepared for this PPE shortage. And it really is a state issue on this. Where’s their stockpile? I don’t see it. Even the health departments don’t have a lot to give you."
Pritzker failing to help out-of-work Illinoisans as other states adapt
Pritzker failing to help out-of-work Illinoisans as other states adapt
Illinoisans shoulder among the highest tax burdens of any state, and that should come with robust services. But soaring debt and pension costs have left too little room for the things residents need most from government.
Pritzker doubles down on progressive income tax, says Illinois needs $3.7B tax hike ‘now more than ever’
Pritzker doubles down on progressive income tax, says Illinois needs $3.7B tax hike ‘now more than ever’
Despite a massive national economic contraction, Pritzker is resisting calls to pull a large tax hike from the November ballot.
Jarrod Burgess: A. Burgess Locksmith
Jarrod Burgess: A. Burgess Locksmith
“Locksmithing tends to be one of those recession-proof businesses. Unfortunately, when others come across financial pain, we do better, but that all changes when all customers are forced to close."
Illinois Pension Pub
Illinois Pension Pub
Pritzker’s $17M mask mistake
Pritzker’s $17M mask mistake
Ashley Lyn
Ashley Lyn
“I need to pay bills. I’m just terrified, because I don’t know what’s going to happen next. “If my job does start back up, it will be five hours a week and I won’t be able to get unemployment. We need to pay our electric [bill]. We have to pay property taxes, water, Internet, phone...
Federal Reserve throws credit lifeline to near-junk Illinois
Federal Reserve throws credit lifeline to near-junk Illinois
The Federal Reserve announced unprecedented plans to directly purchase up to $500 billion in state and local government bonds. States with poorly managed finances, such as Illinois, stand to benefit most, but long-term threats loom without structural reforms.
Diana Reed: Harper G! Mercantile
Diana Reed: Harper G! Mercantile
“I see a lot of people supporting the bars and restaurants to help keep the small-town businesses alive, and I’m happy for them. But they forget about people like us. I’m not getting promotion from anyone but myself."
‘Fair tax’ paves the way to taxing retirement income in Illinois
‘Fair tax’ paves the way to taxing retirement income in Illinois
By granting broad new taxing authority to Springfield, the progressive income tax amendment makes a retirement income tax much more likely – a fact some supporters have acknowledged publicly.