Regulatory Roadblocks: Clearing the Path for Illinois Entrepreneurs
Regulatory Roadblocks: Clearing the Path for Illinois Entrepreneurs
Implementing regulatory reforms in the areas of workers
State Grants Tourism Money for “Amish Experience”
State Grants Tourism Money for “Amish Experience”
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) allocated $334,093.16 to fund a tourist attraction aimed at simulating an authentic Amish experience.
Mackinac Center Adjunct Scholar Comments on Public vs. Private Pay Study
Mackinac Center Adjunct Scholar Comments on Public vs. Private Pay Study
An adjunct scholar for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy responds to a recent study which concludes that state and local government workers receive lower compensation than private sector workers.
$1.5 Million in Wages at the Lieutenant Governor
$1.5 Million in Wages at the Lieutenant Governor
Does the Lieutenant Governor need a $1.5 per year work force?
Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries
Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries
The Problem Historically, public employees have faced a trade-off: lower wages than the private sector in exchange for job security and generous benefits. That trade-off, however, has been disappearing over the years as government employees enjoy steady increases in wages, even during economic downturns. Meanwhile, businesses in the private sector must cut back or at...
Tourism Grants to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
Tourism Grants to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
In recent years, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association has received funding from three tourism grants totaling nearly $200,000.
School Districts: A Friendly Reminder
School Districts: A Friendly Reminder
A friendly reminder to all school districts in Illinois...
Local Government Stretching Budgets? Opportunities for Saving Do Exist
Local Government Stretching Budgets? Opportunities for Saving Do Exist
Now more than ever, local governments across Illinois are experiencing significant declines in revenue sources, and because of this pressure, some are revaluating how they operate and discovering some unnecessary spending habits and stale routines.
Glenview’s Overnight Transparency Improvements
Glenview’s Overnight Transparency Improvements
The achievements with Glenview, School District 54, and other government agencies demonstrates how easy improving transparency can be.
Could Transparency Have Prevented Hanover Township Corruption?
Could Transparency Have Prevented Hanover Township Corruption?
by Brian Costin As a resident and taxpayer of Hanover Township I am appalled to see the new allegations of corruption and the questionable expenditures in the amount of $300,000 from former Hanover Township employee Aurea Picasso. An article in the Daily Herald notes: “The investigation was launched after Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire discovered what he believes...
What is AFSCME Trying to Hide?
What is AFSCME Trying to Hide?
Government performance reviews should remain available to the public under Freedom of Information laws.
$67,500 Grant to BLH Enterprises
$67,500 Grant to BLH Enterprises
In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Commerce and Economic Education disbursed $67,500 of a $75,000 grant to BLH Enterprises to help expand their electronic recycling program.
2.1 Million, 34% of Tax Filers in Illinois Pay No Federal Income Tax
2.1 Million, 34% of Tax Filers in Illinois Pay No Federal Income Tax
by Brian Costin An interesting study from the Tax Foundation released earlier this week showed that 34% of Illinois citizens who filed a tax return paid no taxes on their income, slightly below the national average of 36%. 2.1 Million out of the state’s 6.1 million filers were able to reduce their income tax liability to...
Institute in the Chicago Sun-Times: Stop Pension Borrowing Plan
Institute in the Chicago Sun-Times: Stop Pension Borrowing Plan
The lack of leadership from elected officials in our state reared its ugly head again this week. Illinois will likely be stuck with another unbalanced budget, thanks in large part to two retiring GOP legislators.