Cartoon Blogging
Cartoon Blogging
About that budget proposal from Gov. Quinn...
$13 Million for Environmental Protection Engineers
$13 Million for Environmental Protection Engineers
In 2008, the State of Illinois employed almost 200 environmental protection engineers at a cost of over $13 million.
Money Given to Increase Awareness of Illinois, Chicago in Ireland
Money Given to Increase Awareness of Illinois, Chicago in Ireland
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave $50,000 to promote awareness of Chicago and Illinois in the Republic of Ireland.
Cook County Makes Move in Favor of Taxpayers?
Cook County Makes Move in Favor of Taxpayers?
Cook County health panel has the ability to bring full reform the the County's health system.
AEI: Government Workers Are Not Underpaid
AEI: Government Workers Are Not Underpaid
Andrew G. Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, disputes a recent study that claims state and local government workers are underpaid compared to similar private sector workers.
Spotlight on Spending #2: Tourism Grants
Spotlight on Spending #2: Tourism Grants
The Problem The State of Illinois spends around $50 million per year on tourism. Revenue from the Hotel Operators’ Occupation Tax, which is 6 percent of 94 percent of gross rental receipts, funds tourism spending. Revenue from the hotel tax also goes towards the Build Illinois Fund, the Illinois Sports Facilities Fund, and the General...
Texas Model for Transparency
Texas Model for Transparency
What can Illinois learn from Texas?
Illinois: Allow Businesses to Create Jobs
Illinois: Allow Businesses to Create Jobs
What is the best way for government to help people in need of jobs?
The Tipping Point
The Tipping Point
Is America nearing the fiscal tipping point?
Film Review: The Lottery
Film Review: The Lottery
Madeleine Sackler's "The Lottery" was shown as a one day event last night around the country. The film follows four Harlem families trying to win a lottery in order to gain admission to Harlem Success Academy, a high-achieving charter school in New York.
U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Release of AZ Campaign Matching Funds
U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Release of AZ Campaign Matching Funds
A victory for Arizona taxpayers.
Tourism Grants – Spurring the Economy or Wasteful Spending?
Tourism Grants – Spurring the Economy or Wasteful Spending?
Rather than giving special benefits to a few specific tourist attractions, Illinois needs to consider new avenues for attracting tourists, such as decreasing the cost of visiting Illinois by lowering taxes.
Classroom Size, If Not Class Size
Classroom Size, If Not Class Size
The Chicago Teachers Union sues to stop teacher layoffs, citing fire safety.
Three Million Dollars to Manage DMVs
Three Million Dollars to Manage DMVs
by Mark Cavers In 2008, the state of Illinois employed 72 driver facility managers who made $3,365,732 in combined total wages. Driver facility managers are employees of the Illinois Secretary of State and responsible for the oversight of facility representatives in small and medium-sized downstate driver facility centers. The highest paid manager made $64,125 in 2008, and the average...