Capitol Update: CME, Sears tax breaks
Capitol Update: CME, Sears tax breaks
A tax relief giveaway was approved by a House committee today. The bill lacks relief for the average Illinois family, however.
Illinois adds jobs yet unemployment rises to 10.1 percent
Illinois adds jobs yet unemployment rises to 10.1 percent
by Emily Dietrich Illinois’ economy added 30,000 jobs in the month of October. However, the state’s unemployment rate ticked up to 10.1 percent. This contradiction leaves many wondering: did the Illinois jobs market improve or not? To evaluate the jobs market, economists rely on two surveys produced by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. The...
Budgeting for results
Budgeting for results
by Kristina Rasmussen I’m generally a fan of “performance budgeting” systems — they sure beat mindlessly growing last year’s budget without reference to goals or outcomes. When I’ve looked at good governance initiatives at the federal level, my two main criticisms have been that standards all too often 1) get set low; and 2) encourage more government, not...
Can you be bought off for $1.25?
Can you be bought off for $1.25?
by Kristina Rasmussen From the start of discussions over the “tax relief” package being discussed by the Illinois General Assembly, I’ve been concerned about the lack of apparent relief for the middle class. Of the various provisions in the bill (SB397), the one clear measure aimed at providing broad-based relief was supposed to be the personal exemption increase: Illinois...
Gov. Walker’s reforms are working
Gov. Walker’s reforms are working
by Michael Wille Earlier this year, the Wisconsin legislature passed the Budget Repair Act, a bill that, among other things, limits the collective bargaining rights of Wisconsin teachers. In the most contentious battle regarding public sector unions the state has ever seen, hundreds of thousands of people descended upon the statehouse to protest the actions...
Expanding sales tax collection to remote retailers
Expanding sales tax collection to remote retailers
by Emily Dietrich The debate over sales tax collection for remote retailers and traditional sellers continues to rage. As the Institute reported last month, the state law that forces remote sellers to remit taxes to the Illinois Department of Revenue on behalf of Illinois residents has cost many families in Illinois both jobs and income. Now, federal...
Cook County tax hikes pass key committee
Cook County tax hikes pass key committee
by Kristina Rasmussen I don’t smoke. Never have. But I still oppose tobacco tax hikes. Why? The related revenue is used to run up government spending. Yet smoking is decreasing, and so are revenues. Non-smokers could be on the hook for general tax increases to fill the gap. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle turned this...
ObamaCare headed to Supreme Court
ObamaCare headed to Supreme Court
by Jonathan Ingram There’s good news for those of us who love liberty. Earlier this morning, the Supreme Court announced that it would hear the constitutional challenges to ObamaCare. These are the challenges brought by 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business. The biggest question, of course, is whether the federal government can force everyone to purchase...
Don’t drink but drink more: Cook County proposal would raise already high excise taxes
Don’t drink but drink more: Cook County proposal would raise already high excise taxes
The problem Cook County is facing a budget shortfall. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has rightfully earned political goodwill for proposing serious changes to how county officials spend taxpayers’ money. She has challenged public employee union bosses to come to the negotiating table, and is utilizing private sector contractors to keep costs low. However,...
Lost opportunity for Medicaid reform
Lost opportunity for Medicaid reform
by Jonathan Ingram As the Institute reported last week, Republican members of the Illinois House of Representatives filed a resolution urging the federal government to give the state greater flexibility in administering its Medicaid program. That resolution was still stuck in committee on Wednesday, when Represenative Patti Bellock, R-Hinsdale, motioned the full House to bring the resolution...
The correct way to provide tax relief
The correct way to provide tax relief
by Kristina Rasmussen Much to the dismay of families and businesses across the state, the Illinois General Assembly passed the largest tax hike in Illinois’ history earlier this year. People are hurting as a result. Income once earned for the household budget is now sent to government. The job market remains weak. Businesses understandably want relief....
Alcohol tax hikes are on the menu for Cook County
Alcohol tax hikes are on the menu for Cook County
by Kristina Rasmussen The Cook County Board of Commissioners is looking at a broad array of tax and fee hikes to make up for a budget shortfall, and significant increases for wine, beer, and liquor taxes are all on the menu. These tax hikes pose a direct threat to local bar and restaurant operators, many of...
Cook County Board member look up
Cook County Board member look up
by Amanda Griffin-Johnson Want to find out which Cook County Board member is representing you? If you live in the city of Chicago, you can find your Cook County Board member here (click on the “Public Officials” tab after entering your address). If you live in suburban Cook County, you can find your Cook County Board member here.
Medicaid FAIL: Why cutting appropriations doesn’t control costs
Medicaid FAIL: Why cutting appropriations doesn’t control costs
The problem Earlier this year, Illinois lawmakers purportedly passed a budget that reduced overall state spending. As part of this supposed budget reform, the state’s runaway Medicaid budget was to be brought under control. A review of the fiscal year 2012 budget will show that the money appropriated to the Medicaid program for fiscal year...