Illinois’ comeback story starts here.
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The Illinois Policy Institute has released a new book that examines the most problematic force in Illinois politics: government employee unions. The book is entitled, “The Labor Book: A guide to Illinois government unions.” It highlights a key finding that has become strikingly clear as Illinois struggles to reform its massive pension problem: Until the...
Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman debated Governor Pat Quinn on Fox Chicago’s ‘Good Day Chicago’ program.
With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Pat Quinn eliminated dozens of state boards and commissions he calls “unnecessary.” It’s his effort to streamline state government. Quinn recently issued the executive order to get rid of boards that are inactive and consolidate commissions that overlap. They range from the Governor’s Agriculture Advisory Council to the...
Ninety out of the 102 county-level governments in Illinois failed an online transparency audit, and at least 12 counties appear to be violating the Open Meetings Act, according to a special report released today by the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. The report, titled “Obstructed views: Illinois’ 102 county online transparency audit,” is the first in...
The General Assembly is scheduled to return to Springfield Wednesday to try to resolve the state’s pension crisis. But, it’s still unclear whether lawmakers will reach a solution. Everyone can agree on one thing: the state’s $97 billion unfunded pension liability is a problem that needs to be addressed. But, that’s where the consensus ends....
June 18, 2013 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — Wednesday’s special session in Springfield is expected to begin and end without a deal to reform Illinois’ pension system. Instead, top lawmakers now say they will form a special committee to look for a compromise to get the state out from under nearly $100 billion in pension debt. The...
by Charles Thomas A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has ”fought hard” to get it passed. Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson says Quinn cannot act alone and needs House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton to work together. Her comments...
By April Kalepp Pension reform-minded lawmakers help present a new reform bill that they think can solve Illinois’ billion dollar pension crisis. They joined the Illinois Policy Institute, non-partisan research organization, to present a reform plan. The proposal would immediately cut the state’s $100 billion dollar pension liability by nearly half. According to the bill,...