An Illinois workers’ compensation system for the 21st century
An Illinois workers’ compensation system for the 21st century
The state of Illinois has one of the oldest workers’ compensation systems in America, dating to 1911.
Taxpayers will have to pay $320M more for state-worker pensions in 2018
Taxpayers will have to pay $320M more for state-worker pensions in 2018
Due to changes in investment and demographic assumptions, the State Employees’ Retirement System’s debt is even worse than previously realized; this will require an extra $320 million each year from Illinois taxpayers by 2018.
IDES: Illinoisans must file résumés to receive unemployment payments
IDES: Illinoisans must file résumés to receive unemployment payments
By linking unemployment payments with the requirement to submit a résumé, the Illinois Department of Employment Security is trying to connect unemployed people with employers faster, helping job seekers find employment, and saving taxpayers money.
Madison County, Ill., to voters: Want to reduce your property taxes?
Madison County, Ill., to voters: Want to reduce your property taxes?
A referendum allowing Madison County taxpayers to decide if they want to limit their tax burden is a choice all Illinoisans should have.
Illinois is losing prime working-age adults
Illinois is losing prime working-age adults
BLS data show that Illinois had a net loss of 354,000 adults over the last decade from its prime working-age adult population (ages 25 to 54), with 290,000 of that loss attributable to migration rather than mortality. This is a troubling sign that indicates a weak economy – and the loss of adult taxpayers and their children.
Chicago’s total debt more than triples to over $24B in 2015
Chicago’s total debt more than triples to over $24B in 2015
A new Chicago financial report shows the city’s total unfunded liabilities have jumped by over $17 billion, growing to nearly $24 billion in 2015 from $6.5 billion in 2014.
A pricy homecoming: Dwyane Wade’s $890,000 Illinois tax bill
A pricy homecoming: Dwyane Wade’s $890,000 Illinois tax bill
In joining the Chicago Bulls, former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is trading Florida’s 0 percent personal income tax for Illinois’ 3.75 percent rate, a choice many out-migrating, middle-class Illinoisans cannot afford to make.
Meet the politicians who stand to get rich off of Chicago’s massive property-tax hike
Meet the politicians who stand to get rich off of Chicago’s massive property-tax hike
More scrutiny from property owners means more money in the pockets of certain members of Illinois’ political elite, including House Speaker Mike Madigan.
Madigan Rules
Madigan Rules
How to stop Chicago politicians from continuing to hike property taxes
How to stop Chicago politicians from continuing to hike property taxes
A taxpayer bill of rights would put checks on politicians eager to hike taxes in one of the nation’s most over-taxed cities.
3 things Illinoisans should know about the AFSCME contract delay
3 things Illinoisans should know about the AFSCME contract delay
The Illinois Labor Relations Board on July 7 denied Gov. Bruce Rauner’s request to expedite contract-negotiation impasse proceedings between the state and AFSCME. Thus, impasse proceedings continue to drag on, giving the union more time to prepare for a potential strike, costing state taxpayers an additional $35 million to $40 million per month in AFSCME worker health benefits, and impeding progress on reining in the state’s out-of-control spending.
Illinois employers announce 600 layoffs in June
Illinois employers announce 600 layoffs in June
Illinois’ June WARN report shows 600 mass layoffs for the state in June, with 44 jobs lost in manufacturing, an improvement over May’s 1,300 layoffs and 500 manufacturing job losses.
Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check
Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check
AFSCME is demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits over a new, four-year contract, which would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering.
Madigan’s plan: Reduce wages and standard of living for Illinois’ middle class
Madigan’s plan: Reduce wages and standard of living for Illinois’ middle class
Madigan’s stated concern for the middle class rings hollow given that his own plan to boost the state’s fiscal health consists solely of income-tax increases, which would directly reduce the wages and standard of living for Illinoisans.