It wasn’t even that close
It wasn’t even that close
The more one looks at Gov. Scott Walker
Institute in The Wall Street Journal: Illinois blows smoke at taxpayers
Institute in The Wall Street Journal: Illinois blows smoke at taxpayers
The Institute's John Tillman was referenced in this opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal
Our reaction to Gov. Walker’s victory in Wisconsin
Our reaction to Gov. Walker’s victory in Wisconsin
As Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker emerges victorious from a union-backed recall campaign, it is time to step back and look at the larger picture.
Local pension accountability doesn’t require higher taxes
Local pension accountability doesn’t require higher taxes
For decades, the state has subsidized the pension costs of teachers working for local school districts. The practice requires the state to pay the employer share of teacher benefits that accrue each year, even though teachers are not state employees. That set-up has destroyed spending accountability across the state. Local school districts have been doling...
Illinois House votes to raise taxes
Illinois House votes to raise taxes
The Illinois House just passed SB 2194, which imposes new taxes on tobacco products and hospitals. We’ve previously explained why cigarette taxes can’t fix the structural problems in the Medicaid program. A total of eighteen Republicans signed on to the tax hike, including Mike Bost, Dan Brady, Franco Coladipietro, Jim Durkin, Kent Gaffney, Renée Kosel, David Leitch, Donald Moffitt, Rosemary Mulligan,Chris Nybo, JoAnn Osmond, Robert Pritchard, Dennis Reboletti, Chapin Rose, Jim Sacia, Darlene...
Early implementation of ObamaCare headed to Gov. Quinn’s desk
Early implementation of ObamaCare headed to Gov. Quinn’s desk
Last night, we reported on a bill that is headed to the Governor’s desk which would allow the Quinn administration to implement key provisions of ObamaCare in Cook County nearly two years early. This bill was pushed through the legislature with virtual no debate or discussion on the floor. Last year, lawmakers decided — nearly unanimously —...
Medicaid reform package breaks promises to taxpayers
Medicaid reform package breaks promises to taxpayers
Lawmakers pushed an overall Medicaid reform package that fails to live up to the promises made to taxpayers.
UPDATE: House concurs with early implementation of ObamaCare
UPDATE: House concurs with early implementation of ObamaCare
Earlier today, we reported that the Illinois Senate passed HB 5007, which will implement key portions of ObamaCare nearly two years early in Cook County. Moments ago, the House concurred, sending the bill to the Governor’s desk. Much like the Senate vote earlier today, it was clear that the outcome was certain before the bill ever came...
Illinois Senate moves to implement ObamaCare early
Illinois Senate moves to implement ObamaCare early
by Jonathan Ingram The Illinois Senate just passed HB 5007, which will implement key portions of ObamaCare nearly two years early. We’ve previously debunked the myths surrounding this plan, explaining how it fails taxpayers. From the Senate gallery, I watched as the vote was taken with virtually no debate or discussion. It was clear that the outcome was...
ObamaCare disaster: Why Cook County waiver fails taxpayers
ObamaCare disaster: Why Cook County waiver fails taxpayers
Lawmakers have been tasked with reducing Medicaid spending by $2.7 billion. Last year, lawmakers came together and decided – almost unanimously – that until the state could actually operate the program in a way that served the needs of the most vulnerable, it shouldn’t expand eligibility to overload the system. But earlier this year, Gov....
Spenders and Savers: A Look at Illinois’ Congressional Delegation
Spenders and Savers: A Look at Illinois’ Congressional Delegation
A National Taxpayers Union Foundation report looks at what Illinois' Members of Congress want to do with your tax dollars.
Medicaid reform bill fails to deliver
Medicaid reform bill fails to deliver
House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2840 fails to live up to the promises made to taxpayers. While this bill is an improvement over earlier drafts, there is still cause for alarm.
See what they’re saying about the Institute’s Medicaid plan
See what they’re saying about the Institute’s Medicaid plan
Since Monday morning, the Institute's plan has been in the news more than 30 times all across the state.
Medicaid 59: A detailed list of reforms
Medicaid 59: A detailed list of reforms
In February, Gov. Quinn told lawmakers that the rendezvous with reality had arrived. He informed them that they must “reduce expenditures” in the Medicaid program by $2.7 billion this year. Soon thereafter, lawmakers in the House committed to reducing “the accrual of Medicaid obligations” by $2.7 billion. The following proposal meets this goal without steep...