Illinois’ inefficient spending on its transportation needs led the state to spend more as its roads got worse. But there is a solution if the state can minimize politics in the decision process and prioritize public need.
“The truth is, I had always had a good educational upbringing, and a good family. But the allure of the streets just got me at an early age and it led me down a wrong path.” “While I was incarcerated, I went back to those educational roots. I poured myself into rehabilitating myself and becoming...
Illinois’ Tier 2 is a great retirement benefit for long-term state workers. But those who don’t spend their careers in government could be better served by the flexibility and portability of a defined contribution plan.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ questionable spending, as revealed in its own federal reporting, could be driving members away from the union.
Kane County voters sent a strong message by voting down a sales tax increase on April 1. They joined voters in several townships who asked for pension reform to control taxes and a town that rejected a grocery tax.
Homeschool co-ops in Illinois would face several new rules meant for larger schools, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. The ‘Homeschool Act’ sponsor says her bill isn’t quite dead yet.
“Our decision to homeschool was really birthed out of necessity. My oldest was struggling in the public school system. He has autism spectrum disorder and in middle school he started to face severe bullying and started to have negative self-talk.” “We knew he needed a change. We thought we’d try homeschooling just for one year,...
Other cities unleashed small-scale housing. Chicago buried it in red tape. Now it’s hurting renters, seniors and working families.
A current union-negotiated contract with Illinois state government gives out-of-the-norm health benefits to government workers at very low cost. State workers’ share is far less than what private-sector taxpayers must spend for health coverage.
Illinois companies announced 947 mass layoffs in March. All but 21 of the job cuts were permanent.
Just over 5% of the average state income tax return supports economic development and public safety, while almost 28% goes to government worker pensions and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how Illinois will spend your state income taxes.
The average Chicago Public Schools teacher will see their salary increase to more than $114,000 by the 2027-2028 school year. Just the raises will cost Chicagoans up to $1.25 billion.
Illinois state lawmakers are trying to ban landlords from using credit histories to judge potential tenants. Doing so could make it harder for low-income tenants to find housing.