Illinois’ comeback story starts here.
Sign up for our press list to receive statements and press releases from the institute on breaking news, original research and more.
By Nick Mariano Last week’s layoffs at Crownline Boats in West Frankfort coupled with downgrades of Illinois’ credit rating continue to paint a bleak picture for the area’s unemployed. Mine closures, teacher layoffs and prison closings add to the angst. And Illinois’ poor showing in other economic barometers isn’t doing much for employment confidence. According...
By Matthew Heimer Illinois, a state often ridiculed for its shaky management of public finances, got another black mark next to its name this week when two credit-rating agencies, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services, downgraded their ratings on the state’s debt. Illinois is now ranked two notches lower than any other state by Moody’s;...
Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman released the following statement today after the General Assembly adjourned without enacting pension reform: “Like many, we are disappointed that pension reform was not enacted during the spring legislative session. But make no mistake: the Madigan and Cullerton pension proposals were not pension reform. Taxpayers should be relieved they did...
Pension reform, gay marriage, concealed carry, and a budget are some big and historic items remaining on the agenda for state lawmakers. With just a week and a half left in the spring session, could lawmakers be in Springfield past May 31, and would that cost taxpayers? It’s a common theme at the statehouse during...
Today, state Rep. Elaine Nekritz released savings projections for the pension reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan. Supporters of the Madigan/Nekritz/Cross plan have argued that his plan should be enacted because it saves more money than Senate President John Cullerton’s proposal. Using that same principle, Illinois would be better off passing House Bill...
LOMBARD, Illinois—Capping a year of effort, the Village of Lombard received the Illinois Policy Institute’s Transparency Award at this past Thursday’s Village Board meeting. During the award presentation, the Illinois Policy Institute’s Director of Government Reform, Brian Costin, recognized the Village of Lombard for enacting the strongest government transparency policy in the state and announced...
A report released this morning by the Illinois Policy Institute outlines yet another reason Illinois should abandon the defined benefit pension system and adopt a 401(k)-style retirement program for government workers: The “cost shift” for teacher retirements is more affordable and predictable under a 401(k)-style system. This week and next, Illinois lawmakers are discussing who...
by Ciara McCarthy After months spent in a legal back-and-forth, the dispute between Evanston and food truck Beavers Coffee and Donuts is now back where it all started. A Cook County judge ruled Tuesday the case would proceed after several steps slowed down its progress. Beavers initially filed a lawsuit against the city in August to...