Two McHenry County highway commissioners hired each other’s sons to township government positions in 2017. Despite concerns of nepotism, these practices are not uncommon in township government.

TAGS: Algonquin Township, Andrew Rosencrans, Bob Miller, consolidation, corruption, David McSweeney, Jim Condon, Leda Drain, local government consolidation, McHenry County, Mike Lesperance, municipal pensions, patronage, pensions

Harvey revenue agreement highlights need for pension reform – or municipal bankruptcy

By Joe Tabor

06/08/2018

Illinois’ pension laws are forcing the city of Harvey to pay its creditors through short-term negotiated agreements just to meet payroll.

TAGS: bankruptcy, corruption, harvey, municipal pensions, pensions

Restrictions on pension spiking a win for Illinois taxpayers

By Adam Schuster

06/06/2018

Illinois’ fiscal year 2019 spending plan includes reforms to discourage some irresponsible spending by local governments.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions, teacher salaries, TRS: Teachers’ Retirement System

As city of Springfield sees taxes rise, its population falls

06/06/2018

With pension debt straining city finances, local politicians have insisted on turning to its declining population for more tax revenue.

TAGS: bonds, credit rating, municipal pensions, outmigration, pensions, population, property taxes, Sangamon County, Springfield, taxes

Rhode Island city offers dire warning to Illinois municipalities struggling with pension debt

By Joe Tabor

06/06/2018

Central Falls, Rhode Island, filed for bankruptcy largely because of pension debt. If Illinois municipalities can’t meet or lower their pension obligations, they too could face fiscal collapse.

TAGS: bankruptcy, harvey, municipal pensions, pensions, spending

Illinois General Assembly passes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers

By Eddie Damstra

06/04/2018

A bill that would raise the minimum salary for teachers to $40,000 now awaits Gov. Bruce Rauner’s signature.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pensions

Budget gimmicks explained: Why the new Illinois spending plan is not balanced

By Adam Schuster

06/01/2018

Lawmakers claiming to have passed a balanced budget are relying on a number of common, but deceptive, budget maneuvers.

TAGS: budget, credit rating, pensions

pensions

Moody’s: Janus win potentially credit positive for Illinois

Former Madigan aide due $130,000 for unused vacation, sick time

Springfield arena a multimillion-dollar drain on local taxpayers

Nepotistic hires highlight township government waste

Harvey revenue agreement highlights need for pension reform – or municipal bankruptcy

Restrictions on pension spiking a win for Illinois taxpayers

As city of Springfield sees taxes rise, its population falls

Rhode Island city offers dire warning to Illinois municipalities struggling with pension debt

Illinois General Assembly passes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers

Budget gimmicks explained: Why the new Illinois spending plan is not balanced

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students