The Illinois Tollway is spending $33 million on toll machines, some of which can’t make change. The state agency’s legacy is broken promises, political patronage and overcharging Illinoisans.
Repeal Day: Prohibition ended 86 years ago, but Illinois’ alcohol taxes, regulations remain sobering
With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. Illinois, however, has continued to serve a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.
Pilot program for medical marijuana as alternative to opioids goes into effect
The Opioid Alternative Pilot Program launched Jan. 31, giving more Illinoisans the option to treat pain with medical marijuana in place of opioids.
Inauguration day: 5 pro-taxpayer reforms Pritzker should push in 2019
The Land of Lincoln has a new governor, but the state’s deep-seated problems remain. Here are five reforms that newly inaugurated Gov. J.B. Pritzker could pursue to begin setting the state on the right fiscal path.
Coalition kicks cronies in Springfield showdown over car-sharing
The car-sharing victory is real business friendliness. And that means Illinoisans – whether or not they ever rent their car through an app – have cause for a little celebration.
House passes pension boost bill for one Chicago alderman
Illinois House members voted to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of a bill that would allow a former firefighter serving as a Chicago aldermen to credit his political salary toward a more lucrative fire pension. While just one alderman now qualifies, the bill could extend the perk to more in the future.
Bipartisan anti-corruption bill bottled up in Illinois Senate
After unanimous approval from the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois Senate has remained conspicuously silent on a bill meant to address one man’s dominance of a little-known network of government authorities.
Senate overrides Rauner veto on bill proposing new car-sharing taxes, regulations
Senate lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto of a lobbyist-backed bill aiming to sideswipe car-sharing startups with new taxes and regulations. The bill returns to the House.
Senate narrowly overrides Rauner ‘Tobacco 21’ veto
A bill that would raise the legal age to 21 for purchasing tobacco and e-cigarette products will return to the Illinois House of Representatives after Senate lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto.
Senate bill would strike car-sharing startups with new taxes, regulations
With lobbyist backing, lawmakers passed a bill in May aimed at driving out competitors for rental car companies. Gov. Bruce Rauner rejected the bill, but lawmakers could revive it during veto session.