The bipartisan bullies of township government
The bipartisan bullies of township government
Townships are the cockroaches of governance. They won’t die.
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
The Government Severance Pay Act would restrict outgoing officials from exiting office with excessive severance pay.
Lawmakers seek to dismantle school-choice scholarship program for low-income students
Lawmakers seek to dismantle school-choice scholarship program for low-income students
A bill in the Illinois Senate could axe the state’s first-ever tax credit scholarship program.
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Government worker unions and their allies are preparing for a potential loss in Janus v. AFSCME, doing whatever they can to bolster union ranks. One example: House Bill 5309, which would privilege union status over the interests of other state government workers.
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
The appearance of patronage hires in some McHenry County townships highlights consolidation efforts at the state and local level.
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
The average property tax bill for a Kendall County homeowner in 2017 totaled nearly $6,500.
Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party
Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party
The longtime House speaker is the only state legislative leader in the nation to also serve as a party chairman.
Report: Metro East property tax rates nearly double national average
Report: Metro East property tax rates nearly double national average
Both Madison and St. Clair County taxpayers paid a higher effective tax rate than the national average in 2017, a year which also saw continued outmigration from the region.
Former Vernon Hills village manager to receive $161K severance package
Former Vernon Hills village manager to receive $161K severance package
While details surrounding the ex-official’s separation with the village remain undisclosed to the public, trustees’ approval of his $161,000 severance package went unobstructed.
Round Lake Park’s police pension crisis could result in state intervention
Round Lake Park’s police pension crisis could result in state intervention
Under Illinois law, towns that miss required pension contributions risk state intervention. In 2016, Round Lake Park paid less than 40 percent of its required pension contribution.
Will Illinois pass a budget this year?
Will Illinois pass a budget this year?
History shows lawmakers prefer to avoid tough but necessary choices.
Illinois shed 2,100 jobs in March
Illinois shed 2,100 jobs in March
The state also saw a drop in the unemployment rate, but it wasn’t because people found jobs.
Illinois House passes bill stopping pay raises for lawmakers
Illinois House passes bill stopping pay raises for lawmakers
House Bill 5760 would stop lawmakers’ scheduled cost-of-living adjustment. Illinois lawmakers are the fifth-highest paid state lawmakers in the nation.
House bill would shield retirement income from taxation
House bill would shield retirement income from taxation
A proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution would render residents’ retirement earnings off limits for Springfield.