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.
Illinois Policy Institute Statement on the Springfield Borrowing Plan
Illinois Policy Institute Statement on the Springfield Borrowing Plan
Illinois will likely be stuck with another unbalanced budget this year, thanks in large part to two retiring Republican legislators.
$750K to Peabody Investments Corp
$750K to Peabody Investments Corp
In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave Peabody Investments Corp a $750,000 Coal Competitiveness Program grant.
Think Tank Questions Role of Three Players in State Budget Debacle
Think Tank Questions Role of Three Players in State Budget Debacle
Illinois Policy Institute highlights votes of Reps. Black, Biggins and Miller on misguided budget policy.
Chicago to FOIA: Drop Dead.
Chicago to FOIA: Drop Dead.
Public officials in Chicago act like its their own money...
How ‘Bout Them Cuts?
How ‘Bout Them Cuts?
The Illinois House of Representatives fails to pass significant spending reforms.
$108K Grant to the Southern Recycling Center
$108K Grant to the Southern Recycling Center
In fiscal year 2009, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity disbursed $108,000 of a $120,000 grant to the Southern Recycling Center.
Byrne on All Kids Audit
Byrne on All Kids Audit
Another botched Illinois government program.
Open Meetings and Sunshine Commission Update
Open Meetings and Sunshine Commission Update
Two pieces of important legislation sent to Governor today.
Private Sector Salaries Shrinking
Private Sector Salaries Shrinking
by Kate Piercy According to a USA TODAY analysis of government data, “paychecks from private business shrank to their smallest share of personal income in U.S. history during the first quarter of this year.” On the other hand, government-provided benefits, including Social Security and unemployment insurance, for example, rose to record high levels during the first three...