Ten Cool Tax Breaks
Ten Cool Tax Breaks
If we can't an across-the-board tax cut, let's pile up the tax breaks.
Medicare and the Mayo Clinic
Medicare and the Mayo Clinic
The Boston Globe's Jeff Jacoby explores the problems with Medicare--and why we should imitate Mayo instead.
Flashback: Rep. Jan Schakowsky Cited Claims Stimulus Would Save/Create 148,000 Illinois Jobs
Flashback: Rep. Jan Schakowsky Cited Claims Stimulus Would Save/Create 148,000 Illinois Jobs
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) cited estimates that the federal stimulus would save/create 148,000 Illinois jobs. That's hardly been the case, as it turns out.
The Transparent Presidency?
The Transparent Presidency?
Promises of televised health care negotiations...
Over $3,000 on Glue Sticks
Over $3,000 on Glue Sticks
The Department of Employment Security has spent more then $3,000 on glue sticks over the past 2 years.
Save the Poor – Oppose the Health Bill
Save the Poor – Oppose the Health Bill
Those of us opposed to the health care
Capital Bill = More Empty Buildings?
Capital Bill = More Empty Buildings?
Could the mixture of Illinois's new capital building program and a lack of operating funds leave us with new -- but empty -- state facilities?
Government Wages and Benefits Are Half of State and Local Spending
Government Wages and Benefits Are Half of State and Local Spending
The Cato Institute takes a closer look at the generous wages and benefits offered by state and local governments.
State Spends More than $8,000 on Calendars
State Spends More than $8,000 on Calendars
In 2008, the state spent more than $8,000 on calendars. How much will it spend in 2010?
State Pads Local Pensions, Burden on Local Taxpayers Rises
State Pads Local Pensions, Burden on Local Taxpayers Rises
The state legislature pads local government pension benefits, and taxpayers get to pony up the money to pay for it.
Departments with the Highest Average Wages in 2008
Departments with the Highest Average Wages in 2008
Which departments had the highest average wages in 2008? Find out here.
Which Departments Spent the Most on Wages in 2008?
Which Departments Spent the Most on Wages in 2008?
Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, you can find out which departments spent the most on wagesvin 2008.
Contracting for Success: An Introduction to School Service Privatization
Contracting for Success: An Introduction to School Service Privatization
The Problem During these trying fiscal times, many school districts are attempting to find ways to become more efficient. Private firms are able to assist in this goal, while often improving the quality of certain services. For example, support service providers can offer more efficient busing or cafeteria services, and instructional service providers can offer...
Getting Less For More: A Report Card on Illinois State Higher Education
Getting Less For More: A Report Card on Illinois State Higher Education
The Problem Tuition at Illinois’s state universities is becoming less affordable for Illinois families. From 2002 to 2007, in-state tuition and fees jumped by an average of 56 percent, with no campus increasing rates by less than 42 percent and two campuses increasing rates by more than 70 percent [in inflation-adjusted dollars]. In just five...