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Pending legislature would allow ex-felons to work for schools

This article was written by Dusty Rhodes and originally featured on Peoria Public Radio on April 14. Current state law prohibits people with felony records from working in a school, or volunteering, or even driving a truck that makes deliveries to a school. IPR’s Dusty Rhodes has a report on a measure pending in the...

Illinois workers file lawsuit to end mandatory union dues

The future of public and private unions in two big labor-friendly states may be at stake as foes mount aggressive legal challenges over the long-controversial practice of mandatory dues. The court cases in Illinois and California revolve around so-called “fair share” payments, or the dues unions extract from workers whose jobs stand to benefit from...

Unions battle for survival in key strongholds as court cases challenge forced dues

Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com This interview was originally featured on Fox News on April 6, 2015.  The future of public and private unions in two big labor-friendly states may be at stake as foes mount aggressive legal challenges over the long-controversial practice of mandatory dues. The court cases in Illinois and California revolve around...

A benefit for taxpayers

State government distributes income tax revenue automatically to local governments, with almost no scrutiny. It’s a guaranteed handout to local entities, whether they deserve it or not. No requirement to justify need for the money; all local governments must do is find ways to spend it. Last month, Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed reducing the amount...

Reaction to U.S. Steel layoffs: Policy changes can keep manufacturing jobs in Granite City

GRANITE CITY, IL (March 26, 2015) – In the wake of Wednesday’s announcement that U.S. Steel Corp. is temporarily closing operations in Granite City and laying off 2,080 steelworkers, state and local officials should explore what policy changes could make the border town more attractive to business. In an article published today, an expert in...

State workers in Illinois sue to end mandatory union fees

CHICAGO (March 23, 2015) -– Illinois law forces most employees of state government to pay money to a union as a condition of keeping their jobs. Even though state employees aren’t forced to be full-fledged union members, they are required to pay fees to the union whether or not they want representation. Today, three state...

The future of Uber in Chicago

Our Director of Jobs and Growth, Michael Lucci, joined NBC5 with Laura Meehan to discuss the future of  Uber and ridesharing in Chicago.

Liberty Justice Center to announce new litigation TODAY at 2:30 p.m. press conference

CHICAGO (March 23, 2015) – Today at 2:30 p.m. the Liberty Justice Center, a public interest law firm started by the Illinois Policy Institute, will announce new litigation at a press conference. The subject of the litigation will be announced in a press release that will be issued midday today. WHAT: Press conference to announce...