Cartoon Blogging
Cartoon Blogging
by Kristina Rasmussen Another great cartoon from the Tribune’s Scott Stantis:
$1.8 Million to 30 Vocational Instructors
$1.8 Million to 30 Vocational Instructors
by Mark Cavers In 2008, the Illinois Department of Corrections employed 30 vocational instructors who made $1,837,058.27 in combined total wages. The highest paid instructor made $86,477.96 and the average wage for the instructors was $61,000. These individuals provide “occupational instruction in a specific vocation in a correctional facility.” On the other hand, the Illinois Department of Human Services employed 16...
A Jobs Governor?
A Jobs Governor?
by Kristina Rasmussen Governor Pat Quinn fancies himself the “jobs governor.” Let’s see if the numbers hold up. From the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Quinn’s first month in office: February 2009 February 2009 employment: 6,035,873 Illinoisans February 2009 unemployment rate: 8.7 percent Quinn “jobs governor” claim: June 2010 April 2010 employment (latest available): 5,943,140 Illinoisans April 2010...
Taxpayers Fund High School Basketball Hall of Fame
Taxpayers Fund High School Basketball Hall of Fame
by Will Compernolle The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave a $750,000 grant in fiscal year 2009 to the City of Pinckneyville to “construct a High School Basketball Hall of Fame and a Illinois Rural Heritage Museum.” The DCEO’s grant tracker says the grant (#09-240001) is part of The Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP). To find...
Teacher Tenure: The Perk That Protects Itself
Teacher Tenure: The Perk That Protects Itself
Commentary: if there was no teacher tenure, then there'd be no argument for teacher tenure.
Taxpayers on the Hook for Coal Education
Taxpayers on the Hook for Coal Education
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave an $83,400 grant to
$45K Grant Given to Help Fund Tour Boat
$45K Grant Given to Help Fund Tour Boat
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave a $45,000 grant to buy a tour boat.
Institute in the Examiner: Illinois Policy Institute Puts Spotlight on Wasteful State Spending
Institute in the Examiner: Illinois Policy Institute Puts Spotlight on Wasteful State Spending
During a time when the Gulf oil disaster and the ever-increasing and mind-numbing federal debt are (rightly) dominating the news, it is easy to forget about the overwhelming fiscal challenges facing our own state government.
Virtual School + Dropouts = Diplomas
Virtual School + Dropouts = Diplomas
Yet another innovative use for online learning in Illinois.
Over Two Million Dollars to Operate Free Ferries
Over Two Million Dollars to Operate Free Ferries
Illinois Department of Transportation paid employees over $2 million in wages to work a free ferry service in 2008.
Spotlight on Spending #3: Upward Mobility Program
Spotlight on Spending #3: Upward Mobility Program
The Problem Wish someone would pay for your continuing education so you could get a higher paying job? If you are a unionized Illinois state government employee, you’re in luck. The State of Illinois runs the Upward Mobility Program, which is “a career mobility program designed to give state employees an opportunity to advance to...
Hey, Big Spender!
Hey, Big Spender!
BillTally provides a window into the cumulative costs or savings present in bills sponsored by Members of Congress.
Taxpayers Give Boost to Daniel Burnham Film
Taxpayers Give Boost to Daniel Burnham Film
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave over $83,000 in grants for costs associated with the production and showing of a film about Daniel Burnham.
Illinois Pensions Invested in BP
Illinois Pensions Invested in BP
Illinois state pensions have millions invested in British Petroleum.