Why a fair, balanced budget takes political courage
Why a fair, balanced budget takes political courage
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle grow more and more powerful as the size of state and local government increases.
4 reasons Illinois can’t weather another tax increase
4 reasons Illinois can’t weather another tax increase
Lawmakers need to look at the state’s major spending drivers instead of increasing taxes, which will continue to drive more people out of the state.
AFSCME’s contract demands: A close look at the $3B hit to taxpayers
AFSCME’s contract demands: A close look at the $3B hit to taxpayers
Despite the fact that the average AFSCME worker makes over $100,000 a year in total compensation, the union has made health care, salary and benefit demands that are out of line with what Illinois taxpayers can afford and would aggravate the state’s financial crisis.
Madigan’s millions: How the speaker sells his sway
Madigan’s millions: How the speaker sells his sway
The speaker’s law firm makes millions in the clout-heavy game of Cook County property tax appeals.
Who are AFSCME workers?
Who are AFSCME workers?
The union representing state workers is currently holding a strike authorization vote. Understanding whom AFSCME represents better equips taxpayers in evaluating AFSCME’s demands and whether a strike is reasonable.
Illinois senators want new tax on services, higher sales tax on food, medicine
Illinois senators want new tax on services, higher sales tax on food, medicine
The proposal would be part of the Senate’s “grand bargain,” which also includes a multibillion-dollar income tax hike.
Illinois politicians’ remedy for state flirting with recession? Multibillion-dollar tax hikes
Illinois politicians’ remedy for state flirting with recession? Multibillion-dollar tax hikes
A new report from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows Illinois has experienced falling tax collections, which may indicate trouble in the state economy; spending reforms – not tax hikes – are what Illinois needs to right its fiscal ship and boost economic growth.
Illinois last in jobs growth, first in manufacturing losses in 2016
Illinois last in jobs growth, first in manufacturing losses in 2016
Illinois continues to have the worst jobs growth in the region, and tax hikes will only make matters worse.
Chicago made their business illegal, now Vugo is fighting back
Chicago made their business illegal, now Vugo is fighting back
Vugo is the type of technology startup political leaders often herald as the future of Chicago. But taxi protectionism has forced it to leave town.
Illinois has largest loss of union membership in region, Indiana and Missouri have largest gains
Illinois has largest loss of union membership in region, Indiana and Missouri have largest gains
Illinois’ declining union membership is but one more reminder that the state’s anti-jobs business environment hurts the broad population of job-seekers, whether they are union or non-union.
As enrollment drops 50%, Chicago State University continues work on new $60M campus
As enrollment drops 50%, Chicago State University continues work on new $60M campus
Lawmakers should address wasteful spending in higher education, which is hurting students, their families, instructors and taxpayers.
Nearly 240 Cook County correctional officers call in sick for Super Bowl
Nearly 240 Cook County correctional officers call in sick for Super Bowl
Super Sunday sees 239 corrections officers – or 19 percent of the staff assigned to work that day – call in sick despite pleas to officers ahead of time from the Cook County Sheriff’s office.
Federal district court dismisses Illinois gamers’ biometric information privacy case against video game maker
Federal district court dismisses Illinois gamers’ biometric information privacy case against video game maker
A federal district court in New York has determined the mere violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act does not amount to an injury sufficient to allow video game players to sue in federal court.