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.
Illinois Policy Institute wins Templeton Freedom Award
Illinois Policy Institute wins Templeton Freedom Award
Nov. 8, 2011 – Today, John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute was honored to accept a 2011 Templeton Freedom Award for Excellence in Promoting Liberty. The Illinois Policy Institute won in the category of Innovative Media for its Illinois Turnaround Tour New Media Campaign. This award category recognizes outstanding think tank projects that use...
Kotkin to Chicago: Look to New Orleans for School Reforms
Kotkin to Chicago: Look to New Orleans for School Reforms
by Michael Wille Joel Kotkin, an author and futurist, recently spoke at the Institute on what Illinois might look like in 2050. He had a number of insights on different areas of public policy, including a commentary on the reforms that have affected New Orleans’ public school system. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in...
Joel Kotkin: Illinois needs competitive public policies
Joel Kotkin: Illinois needs competitive public policies
Noted futurist and author Joel Kotkin visited the Illinois Policy Institute Wednesday to discuss how Illinois can brighten its economic and social outlook. In his remarks, Kotkin discussed the importance of good public policies that will allow people and businesses to thrive. When bad public policies are enacted, people vote with their feet – which...
Debt bombs and how we can disarm them
Debt bombs and how we can disarm them
by John Tillman There is only one way out of the worldwide debt crisis, but so far Illinois’ political leaders do not seem to understand what that path is. Here is what the solution is not: The solution is not increasing taxes. The General Assembly and Gov. Quinn did that in January by implementing a...
Has your legislator signed the Repeal the Tax Hike Pledge?
Has your legislator signed the Repeal the Tax Hike Pledge?
by Brian Costin Just a few hours before a new legislature was sworn in, on January 12, 2011, at 1:30AM Illinois’s 96th General Assembly passed the largest tax hike in state history, raising the individual income tax rate by 67 percent and the corporate tax rate by 46 percent. The vote passed by a razor thin...
What we need and where we’ve come from: U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona
What we need and where we’ve come from: U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona
U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona speaks at a luncheon hosted by the Illinois Policy Institute on Oct. 19, 2011.
Illinois Republicans ask Super Committee for Medicaid flexibility
Illinois Republicans ask Super Committee for Medicaid flexibility
by Jonathan Ingram Earlier today, Republican members of the Illinois House of Representatives filed a resolution in the General Assembly urging the federal Super Committee to recommend granting the state greater flexibility in administering its Medicaid program. In particular, they ask that the Super Committee and Congress repeal the “maintenance of effort” requirements in ObamaCare. As you...
Letter from the CEO: How to spot the good and bad eggs
Letter from the CEO: How to spot the good and bad eggs
This letter was featured in the Fall 2011 edition of Compass, which arrived in mailboxes last week. The complete issue is downloadable here. Halloween is a wonderful holiday for children and grown-ups alike. You have tricks and you have treats. The same is true in policy and political debates. There are tricks and there are treats;...