PRESS RELEASE: Most Illinois pension debt since ’95 unrelated to skipped payments
PRESS RELEASE: Most Illinois pension debt since ’95 unrelated to skipped payments
PRESS RELEASE from the ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Rickert diana@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977 New analysis shows that, contrary to popular belief, more than half of Illinois pension debt accumulated since 1995 not related to “skipped payments” or “pension holidays” SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (April 23, 2013) — Illinois’ massive pension debt frequently is blamed on...
The pension funding guarantee: an irresponsible plan
The pension funding guarantee: an irresponsible plan
This memo provides a review of the funding guarantee provisions found in the pension reform bills that currently are or have been under consideration by the Illinois General Assembly.
Capitol Updates: Legislative preview for the week of April 22
Capitol Updates: Legislative preview for the week of April 22
The Illinois Senate is in session this week though the House is in recess until April 29. The Senate deadline for the third reading of substantive bills is on Thursday, April 25 meaning that all Senate bills must be voted on by the full Senate Chamber by Thursday. Otherwise bills will be sent back...
By Jane McEnaney
AN ADVISORY FOR UNITED NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION TEACHERS
AN ADVISORY FOR UNITED NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION TEACHERS
With union organizers actively pursuing the unionization of United Neighborhood Organization, or UNO, charter schools, it is extremely important that teachers understand how the process works. You have the right to support a union; and you have the right
Illinois Policy Institute in the news: A solution to Dixon’s corruption woes
Illinois Policy Institute in the news: A solution to Dixon’s corruption woes
The city of Dixon made international news last year after a public corruption scandal broke, revealing the citys comptroller stole more than $53 million from local taxpayers.
Record number of taxpayers pay no income tax
Record number of taxpayers pay no income tax
A growing percentage of taxpayers owe nothing in income taxes after accounting for credits and deductions.
By Benjamin VanMetre
Progressive income tax: Effective tax rate higher for top earners
Progressive income tax: Effective tax rate higher for top earners
After tax credits and deductions are taken into account, the effective tax rate for top earners is more than twice the national average further proof that the tax burden is most definitely progressive.
Will teachers at UNO at least get a secret-ballot vote?
Will teachers at UNO at least get a secret-ballot vote?
Under the agreement, union organizers would be allowed to make their pitch for unionizing to teachers on school property, and would even be given personal information for teachers.
Capitol Updates: April 15 week in review
Capitol Updates: April 15 week in review
The progressive tax, medical marijuana and multidistrict virtual charter schools
Alcohol can’t escape Illinois tax grab
Alcohol can’t escape Illinois tax grab
Illinois current state excise taxes per gallon of beer ($0.23), wine ($1.39) and spirits ($8.55) are higher than most neighboring states.
By Benjamin VanMetre
Illinois unemployment stalls at 9.5 percent
Illinois unemployment stalls at 9.5 percent
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced today that the Illinois unemployment rate remained at 9.5 percent in March. Three months ago it was 8.6 percent.
By Chris Andriesen
Illinois’ pension liability more than doubles under Moody’s new accounting rules
Illinois’ pension liability more than doubles under Moody’s new accounting rules
Moodys is set to require states and local governments to use more transparent and realistic accounting rules when they report their true pension obligations. And that means Illinois debt and underfunding numbers will skyrocket.
By Ted Dabrowski
Chicago hospital hit with shocking Medicare and Medicaid fraud charges
Chicago hospital hit with shocking Medicare and Medicaid fraud charges
Federal authorities have raided Sacred Heart Hospital on Chicagos West Side after alleged crimes of medically unnecessary sedation, intubation and tracheotomy procedures on patients in an attempt to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.
By Brian Costin
Quinn OKs more than $12 billion in new infrastructure spending
Quinn OKs more than $12 billion in new infrastructure spending
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced a proposal on Wednesday to spend $12.62 billion over the next six years on transportation projects.