Lessons from the Edgar plan: why defined benefits can’t work
Lessons from the Edgar plan: why defined benefits can’t work
Flaws of the defined benefit system are really at the core of the state’s pension problems.
My representative scored what?
My representative scored what?
Earlier this year, theAi??Illinois Policy Institute released a Vote Card, grading each of our state senators and representatives on their voting record. Today, theAi??National Taxpayers Union Types of generic synthroid Ai??released its 2011 Congressional Rating, which grades legislators at the national level. The Congressional Rating scores each senator and representative on his or her commitment...
The great Twinkie turf war
The great Twinkie turf war
The new owners of Hostess Brands are preparing to restart the production of Twinkies, Ho Hos and all those other sugary treats. Among the plants they plan to reopen is the one in the Chicago suburb of Schiller Park.
Widespread non-compliance with TIF district reporting requirements
Widespread non-compliance with TIF district reporting requirements
A study from professors at the University of Chicago and Lake Forest College showed that Illinois communities with TIF districts grew substantially slower than non-adopters.
States with no income tax had a surplus or no deficit in 2012
States with no income tax had a surplus or no deficit in 2012
States that dont have an income tax manage to stay out of the red, and many are even operating with budget surpluses. Texas, for example, currently foresees and $8.8 billion surplus over its current two-year budget cycle.
Puppy lemon law
Puppy lemon law
The Senate Executive Committee voted Wednesday in favor of a bill some have described as a puppy lemon law.
States with no income tax have something Illinois doesnt: jobs
States with no income tax have something Illinois doesnt: jobs
The average unemployment rate for states without an income tax is 6.6 percent. Illinois has the nations second-highest unemployment rate ringing in at 9.5 percent, or nearly three full percentage points higher than states that dont tax income.
Open season on Illinois businesses
Open season on Illinois businesses
Sunshine State offers Illinois businesses a brighter future
Democracy restored in Macomb
Democracy restored in Macomb
McDonough County Judge Rodney Clark said it is "not logical to have a person receive more than 50 percent of the vote but yet, not be the winner. This is not how America decides who should be elected."
Democracy restored: Liberty Justice Center lawsuit vindicates constitutional rights of City of Macomb citizens
Democracy restored: Liberty Justice Center lawsuit vindicates constitutional rights of City of Macomb citizens
MEDIA ALERT from the LIBERTY JUSTICE CENTER Media contact: Diana Rickert 312-607-4977 Case documents available online at: libertyjusticecenter.org Democracy restored: Liberty Justice Center lawsuit vindicates constitutional rights of City of Macomb citizens Court rules that definition of majority is “unambiguous” and orders city to declare WIU student Steven Wailand winner of Macomb 2nd Ward...
Open Letter to the Union Organizing Committee at UNO Schools
Open Letter to the Union Organizing Committee at UNO Schools
Dear Sirs and Madames, Your concerns about my communications with United Neighborhood Organization charter school teachers are duly noted. However, since you are not, as yet, certified as the collective bargaining representative of UNO charter teachers, it is presumptuous of you to speak on their behalf at this time. Therefore, I will continue to contact...
Capitol Updates: April 22 week in review
Capitol Updates: April 22 week in review
It was a quiet week in Springfield as the Illinois Senate was the only chamber in session. Heres what took place: Virtual charter school moratorium bill assigned to substantive committee On Wednesday, the Senate Assignments Committee referred House Bill 494 to the Senate Education Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday, April...
[EVENT] There’s No Place Like Home: A Conversation with Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback
[EVENT] There’s No Place Like Home: A Conversation with Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback
Join the Illinois Policy Institute for a luncheon on Monday, May 20, as we host Governor Sam Brownback.
Illinois vs. Missouri
Illinois vs. Missouri
Scott Reeder Illinois News Network Do folks in the Show-Me State have a greater love of taxes than in the Land of Lincoln? Well, at first blush, thats what you might think if you looked at the results of a study Americans for Prosperity shared with me. Voters in both states went to the polls...