1.6 million Illinoisans need a government license to work
1.6 million Illinoisans need a government license to work
Needless licensing requirements are killing job opportunities, especially for lower-income Illinoisans.
Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns
Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns
Despite the city’s impending teachers strike, unaffordable pension debt and declining population, a Chicago alderman warns against late night trick-or-treating for fear of clowns.
The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan
The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan
Just as Illinoisans elect state representatives, state representatives elect the speaker of the House every two years. To become the speaker, Madigan just needs a majority vote.
AFSCME’s goal: Elect union-friendly politicians as end run around contract negotiations
AFSCME’s goal: Elect union-friendly politicians as end run around contract negotiations
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees has used stall tactics in labor negotiations, in an apparent attempt to wait out the state till more union-friendly lawmakers could be elected and hand AFSCME its demands outside the contract negotiating process.
Mars and Wrigley to combine in 2017, call Chicago home
Mars and Wrigley to combine in 2017, call Chicago home
The new business, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, forms after Mars purchased minority stake in Wrigley.
“Lockbox” amendment will decide how transportation funds can be spent
“Lockbox” amendment will decide how transportation funds can be spent
Voters will have the opportunity in November to decide, by way of a constitutional amendment, whether lawmakers should be able to divert transportation funds toward other priorities.
Equal plant closure in Kankakee County
Equal plant closure in Kankakee County
The artificial sweetener manufacturer will lay off 89 workers and move out of state.
Chicago politicians get cheap tickets for Cubs playoff games
Chicago politicians get cheap tickets for Cubs playoff games
Granting favors to politicians is the cost of doing business for sports team owners in Chicago.
Illinois companies announce nearly 800 layoffs
Illinois companies announce nearly 800 layoffs
September WARN report shows 790 mass layoffs, including 128 in manufacturing.
Craig Alexander
Craig Alexander
“I’m against buying anything in Chicago. I wouldn’t want property. You basically have to pay a mortgage and pay rent still, because of the taxes.” Craig Alexander Hero Coffee Bar
S&P downgrades Illinois credit rating closer to junk
S&P downgrades Illinois credit rating closer to junk
The ratings agency also warns that another downgrade could be coming if the state doesn’t enact serious reforms to improve its fiscal condition.
Madigan’s patronage army
Madigan’s patronage army
Illinois entrepreneurs deserve the right to earn a living
Illinois entrepreneurs deserve the right to earn a living
Illinois lawmakers should support a statewide law that limits government business regulations to only those necessary and carefully tailored to serve a legitimate public health, safety or welfare purpose.
Rauner, lawmakers push for IDs for ex-offenders
Rauner, lawmakers push for IDs for ex-offenders
Gov. Bruce Rauner and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are supporting SB 3368, which would issue IDs to ex-offenders immediately upon release from prison, easing their transition to post-prison life and employment.