April 27 Update from the Capitol
April 27 Update from the Capitol
Collin Hitt gives at update on the status of SB 2494, the bill that would give vouchers to students in struggling schools in Chicago.
Almost Two Million Dollars to Put Up Signs
Almost Two Million Dollars to Put Up Signs
by Mark Cavers In 2008, the State of Illinois employed 38 individuals to help with the production and placement of signs across the Illinois highway system. These employees, ranging from sign makers, to hangers to supervisors, were paid a combined total of $1,822,653.47 in wages. The highest paid employee, a supervisor in a sign shop,...
Social Workers on State Payroll
Social Workers on State Payroll
In 2008, social workers in all of Illinois made 17% less, on average, than social workers employed by the State of Illinois.
April 28 Update from the Capitol
April 28 Update from the Capitol
John Tillman discusses the passage of the Sunshine Act, an important bill that will allow citizens to hold government accountable.
Sunshine Commission Act Passes Both House and Senate
Sunshine Commission Act Passes Both House and Senate
The Sunshine Commission Act unanimously passed out of the Senate yesterday and is now waiting to be signed into law by Governor Quinn. The Commission
Wall Street Journal: In Post-Obama Illinois, Hope and Change
Wall Street Journal: In Post-Obama Illinois, Hope and Change
The Wall Street Journal again cites the Institute's work on SB 2494.
Hourly Wages in the State of Illinois
Hourly Wages in the State of Illinois
51K per hour total to 1,000 state employees
$22K to the Independent Feature Project
$22K to the Independent Feature Project
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Arts Council gave the Independent Feature Project of Chicago $22,760 in fiscal year 2009.
Cook County Coffee Czar?
Cook County Coffee Czar?
The media has been uncovering some interesting spending from Cook County
Institute in the Chicago Tribune: The Legislators-Are-Chicken Premise
Institute in the Chicago Tribune: The Legislators-Are-Chicken Premise
An article from the Tribune's Dennis Byrne cites the Institute's Budget Solutions 2011 as an "boldly asserting that the budget can be balanced without any tax increase."
Alert: Sunshine Commission Passes Both Houses
Alert: Sunshine Commission Passes Both Houses
If signed by Gov. Quinn, the Sunshine Commission would be a step in the right direction for Illinois, helping to get rid of wasteful spending and programs and assisting in establishing responsible spending and accountable government in Illinois.
Newspapers Across the State Support School Choice
Newspapers Across the State Support School Choice
Support for Sen. James Meeks' school choice bill is coming in from major newspapers across the state and the Illinois Policy Institute's research has been integral in shaping opinion on the matter.
Public Sector Pharmacist Technicians Receive 25% Higher Wages
Public Sector Pharmacist Technicians Receive 25% Higher Wages
In 2008, pharmacists technicians employed by the State of Illinois made 25% more in wages than their private sector counterparts.
$100,000 for Tour Guides
$100,000 for Tour Guides
In 2008, the state spent nearly $115,000 to provide tour guides at the State Capitol.