When it comes to pensions, Illinois faces lack of leadership
When it comes to pensions, Illinois faces lack of leadership
We keep looking for leadership and we keep ending up with politics.
2013 budget projections show Quinns true colors
2013 budget projections show Quinns true colors
How confident do you feel that Illinois will be able to pay its bills in 2013 and beyond?
Businesses could face higher rates with progressive tax
Businesses could face higher rates with progressive tax
Learn more about the disadvantages of a progressive income tax.
State employee pension fund sees dismal 2012 returns
State employee pension fund sees dismal 2012 returns
Although the pension fund for state employees predicted it would earn $850 million in fiscal year 2012, it actually earned less than $6 million. The fund posted an investment return of just 0.05 percent, far below the 7.75 percent it expected.
Institute in Crain’s: Springfield’s latest pension fumble was a win for taxpayers
Institute in Crain’s: Springfield’s latest pension fumble was a win for taxpayers
This was the running theme during Illinois' recent lame duck session: Pass anything.
Two-year anniversary of 2011 tax hike nothing to celebrate
Two-year anniversary of 2011 tax hike nothing to celebrate
Two years ago, the average family started forking over an additional $1,500 from their annual pay due to higher taxes.
Fitch warnings don’t mean kick the can down the road
Fitch warnings don’t mean kick the can down the road
Illinois credit rating received a warning today from Fitch Ratings. What Fitch cited as the ongoing inability of the state to address its large and growing unfunded pension liability means a rating downgrade is likely unless reforms are passed within s
Passage of management bill will prevent some government workers from unionizing
Passage of management bill will prevent some government workers from unionizing
With the last procedural hurdles cleared, Senate Bill 1556, also known as the "management" bill, will be presented to Gov. Pat Quinn and is expected to receive his signature.
Digital outreach expands impact of liberty movement
Digital outreach expands impact of liberty movement
We often hear stories from Illinoisans who find comfort in knowing others are working to advance liberty in our state some are shocked to learn such a community exists and that it is ranked #1 among State Policy Network organizations.
Nekritz-Biss pension funding guarantee would make pensions a priority over education, health care, public safety
Nekritz-Biss pension funding guarantee would make pensions a priority over education, health care, public safety
For years annual pension costs have been crowding out spending on education, health care and public safety. Now, Illinois legislators are looking to lock that in.
Pension Review Commission Act: Dangerous Abrogation of Power
Pension Review Commission Act: Dangerous Abrogation of Power
Major problems: Creates a super-legislature by delegating lawmaking to an un-elected Commission. Creates a pathway for Commission-directed tax hikes without a vote of the legislature. If either the House Speaker or the Senate President does not call a disapproval vote, the bill becomes law. The chamber heads are required to certify it unless a joint...
When will the whining end and the reforming begin?
When will the whining end and the reforming begin?
None of the plans Illinois lawmakers are considering will go anywhere near solving the states long-term pension crisis.
PRESS RELEASE: Illinois Policy Institute opposes Nekritz-Biss pension plan
PRESS RELEASE: Illinois Policy Institute opposes Nekritz-Biss pension plan
PRESS RELEASE from the ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE EXPERTS AVAILABLE IN CHICAGO AND SPRINGFIELD MEDIA CONTACT: Diana Rickert or Daniel Anthony daniel@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977 Illinois Policy Institute opposes Nekritz-Biss pension plan Yes, pensions must reformed, but the Nekritz-Biss bill would worsen the pension crisis, not fix it SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Jan. 8, 2013) Illinois lawmakers...
Institute on Chicago Tonight: Why pension talks aren’t real reform
Institute on Chicago Tonight: Why pension talks aren’t real reform
Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman joined Carol Marin and a panel of experts on WTTW's Chicago Tonight to discuss pension reform in Illinois.