Melony Armstrong
Melony Armstrong
“A bill like this also meets a huge need economically. I have taught so many African-American women who were able to take this craft of hair braiding and make an honest living for themselves and for their families."
Illinois payroll tax would kill jobs, reduce wages
Illinois payroll tax would kill jobs, reduce wages
Illinois state lawmakers are considering a statewide payroll tax that would raise business costs, reduce wages and kill jobs. Workers are already taxed on their income, meaning this would tax their wages twice.
Illinois sees 1,023 mass layoffs, over half from business closures
Illinois sees 1,023 mass layoffs, over half from business closures
Illinois companies announced 1,023 mass layoffs in April, with more than half from business closures. One-fifth of Illinois job cuts resulted from a lost contract to manage McCormick Place in Chicago.
Nearly all Illinois communities smaller since 2020; Chicago loses nearly 30K
Nearly all Illinois communities smaller since 2020; Chicago loses nearly 30K
Since 2020, 84% of Illinois communities have lost population. Small towns were hit hardest by population declines in 2024, while Chicago’s migrant crisis helped offset people choosing to leave.
Illinois lawmakers push new $2.7B sales tax on haircuts, Netflix, Uber and other services
Illinois lawmakers push new $2.7B sales tax on haircuts, Netflix, Uber and other services
Illinois lawmakers are looking to expand sales taxes to include things such as streaming services, gym memberships, vehicle repairs, hair care and other services to bail out Chicago’s failing transit systems and put more money in government budgets.
Why Chicago Teachers Union’s $7.3B tax hike will hurt all of Illinois
Why Chicago Teachers Union’s $7.3B tax hike will hurt all of Illinois
The Illinois Revenue Alliance, a group which includes the Chicago Teachers Union, has released a proposal to impose nine tax increases and hike statewide taxes by $7.3 billion annually. Some of CTU’s ideas are likely illegal and tax all Illinoisans for the union’s excesses.
High school financial literacy course can reduce Illinois poverty
High school financial literacy course can reduce Illinois poverty
Research shows financial literacy boosts economic opportunity. The success of the University of Chicago’s FinEDge program shows it should be expanded.
Illinois can ease dentist shortage by passing student dental license reform
Illinois can ease dentist shortage by passing student dental license reform
The Illinois Senate is considering a bill to allow dental students to practice under supervision with temporary licenses. Two-thirds of Illinois counties have a dentist shortage.
Chicago Teachers Union spends $2.1M on losing school board candidates
Chicago Teachers Union spends $2.1M on losing school board candidates
The 2024 Chicago school board elections may have marked a turning point in public perception of the Chicago Teachers Union’s political muscle. Of the $2.8 million CTU and its affiliates spent, 75% went to losing candidates. It could impact union elections.
Kane County Speaks
Kane County Speaks
In the April 2024 municipal elections, Kane County leaders proposed a $51 million retail tax hike. A grassroots citizens group called Kane County Speaks campaigned against the measure. Not only did they defeat it, they inspired the highest voter turnout the county had seen for a municipal election in decades. Here’s how they did it...
70 tax, fee hikes in 15 years. $110B from Illinois taxpayers. More coming?
70 tax, fee hikes in 15 years. $110B from Illinois taxpayers. More coming?
Illinois leaders keep using tax hikes as a budget quick-fix, but the state’s fiscal troubles – and the taxpayer burden – persist. Here are the 70 tax and fee hikes state leaders have imposed during the past 15 years.
Scandal recap: Stacy Davis Gates’ leadership of Chicago Teachers Union
Scandal recap: Stacy Davis Gates’ leadership of Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago Teachers Union members have reason to question the leadership of President Stacy Davis Gates heading into the May 16 union election. Her many scandals have driven down the union’s reputation.
CTU: Shrinkflation
CTU: Shrinkflation
Teacher pension ‘pickup’ costs boost burden on Illinois taxpayers
Teacher pension ‘pickup’ costs boost burden on Illinois taxpayers
Illinois teachers are required to contribute 9% of their salary toward pensions, but many school districts “pick up” this cost – putting the pension burden on taxpayers.