The cost of crossing Madigan
The cost of crossing Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s election to the speaker position in 16 of the last 17 legislative sessions is a testament to the loyalty he demands from his Democratic colleagues.
How Madigan left the Cubs in the dark
How Madigan left the Cubs in the dark
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s grip on the state’s legislative process once delayed the Cubs’ quest for lights at Wrigley Field – and 30 years later, the Cubs are still feuding with politicians.
September jobs report: Manufacturing jobs down, white-collar jobs up; workforce dropout continues overall
September jobs report: Manufacturing jobs down, white-collar jobs up; workforce dropout continues overall
The divergence between professional and blue-collar work continued in September, and a shrinking workforce coincided with steady seasonal out-migration.
Poll shows Illinoisans support both unions and Right to Work principles
Poll shows Illinoisans support both unions and Right to Work principles
A new Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll reveals that nearly half of Illinoisans support Right-to-Work laws – but that more education on worker freedom is needed.
U-Haul rental rates reflect Illinois’ out-migration crisis
U-Haul rental rates reflect Illinois’ out-migration crisis
Chicagoans’ strong demand for one-way moves to Houston, Texas, and to Naples, Fla., is driving up moving-truck rental costs.
Average Metropolitan Water Reclamation District employee makes nearly $100K per year
Average Metropolitan Water Reclamation District employee makes nearly $100K per year
Government employees responsible for managing water quality are earning six-figure salaries, despite a recent history of slacking on taxpayers’ time.
Alex Schmidt
Alex Schmidt
“I lived in Illinois my entire life until April of this year. My wife and I moved to Cypress, Texas, outside of Houston. I’m back in Chicago for a conference. I was paying $12,000 a year in property taxes in Highland Park. As soon as I had to get a property tax attorney a light bulb...
Over 370 Cook County correctional officers call off work during Cubs playoff run
Over 370 Cook County correctional officers call off work during Cubs playoff run
Cook County correctional officers’ unusually high use of sick and family medical leave coincides with Cubs playoff games.
Young workers, public policy failures are driving Illinois’ out-migration
Young workers, public policy failures are driving Illinois’ out-migration
New poll indicates that younger workers want to flee the state the most, and Illinois’ high-tax, anti-growth policies are encouraging them to do so.
AFSCME’s demands come at expense of neediest Illinoisans
AFSCME’s demands come at expense of neediest Illinoisans
By demanding a larger share of the state’s limited resources, AFSCME is depleting state funds and keeping them from social service providers and other Illinoisans who most need them.
Leaked Clinton emails display Madigan’s power ahead of documentary release
Leaked Clinton emails display Madigan’s power ahead of documentary release
Madigan rules Illinois with an iron grip. And failure to follow through on a favor can come with dire consequences.
Rahm’s 2017 budget: No significant reforms to help Chicago taxpayers
Rahm’s 2017 budget: No significant reforms to help Chicago taxpayers
In his annual budget address, Mayor Rahm Emanuel provided an optimistic outlook on city finances, but no major reforms to give taxpayers reason to smile.
Face it: Property taxes are forcing Illinoisans out of their homes
Face it: Property taxes are forcing Illinoisans out of their homes
Nearly half of respondents said they would like to leave the state, including almost two-thirds of millennials.
Sharon Wilbeck
Sharon Wilbeck
“Enough is enough. Our property taxes are some of the highest in the nation. People are having to move out of their homes because of it. That’s despicable. Businesses and people are leaving. Our good friends moved to Wisconsin for that very reason. We downsized and we’re doing OK, but for how long we don’t...