Illinois 3rd-most regulated state in U.S.

By Bryce Hill, Jim Royal

02/09/2022

Illinois has the nation’s third-highest number of state regulations and double the U.S. average. Regulations make life hard for Illinois’ small businesses, where most Illinois jobs are created.

TAGS: employment, Illinois, regulations, small business

Governor signs Hayli’s Law to protect lemonade stands from Illinois government

07/12/2021

When a child’s lemonade stand was targeted by government regulators, an 11-year-old entrepreneur fought back. Now Illinois law officially bars government from interfering with a child’s right to sell cold summer drinks.

TAGS: Hayli Martenez, Illinois, lemonade stand, regulations

Chicago plan to cap Uber, Lyft fares could lead to fewer rides

05/28/2021

A Chicago alderman wants to cap ride-share prices during peak demand. But price controls could leave more riders stranded if extra drivers are no longer attracted by extra cash.

TAGS: Chicago, regulations, rideshare, Uber

Hayli’s Law would protect lemonade stands from government in Illinois

05/26/2021

When a child’s lemonade stand was targeted by government regulators, the 11-year-old entrepreneur fought back. Now Illinois is about to bar government from interfering with a child’s right to sell cold summer drinks.

TAGS: Hayli Martenez, Illinois, lemonade stand, regulations

Nursing shortage during COVID-19 argues for multi-state licenses in Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

05/12/2021

Multi-state nursing licenses would help Illinois with long-term senior care, help nurses cross state lines to fight a pandemic and help Illinois face a coming nursing shortage.

TAGS: COVID-19, emergency, Nurse Licensure Compact, regulations

Illinois lawmakers tackle balloons, pitchfork fishing, but keep residents in dark on ethics reforms

By Brad Weisenstein

04/27/2021

The Illinois General Assembly busies itself with limiting balloon releases and regulating pitchfork fishing along highways when ethics reform is the need in a state with a rich history of corruption.

TAGS: corruption, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, regulations, transparency

Illinois lawmakers want to outlaw fishing with sharp objects along highways

By Patrick Andriesen

04/23/2021

Recent Illinois House votes aim to protect the state and its residents from pitchfork fishing along highways and from releasing too many balloons. The state’s big problems remain ignored.

TAGS: fishing, paternalism, regulations

Illinois may outlaw balloon releases of 50 and up, up and away

By Brad Weisenstein

04/22/2021

Illinoisans planning a balloon release will need to count carefully. State lawmakers voted to fine repeat offenders who wantonly release 50 or more balloons.

TAGS: nanny state, paternalism, regulations

Restrictions ease, but Chicago cites 5 bars, restaurants over COVID rules

By Laura Bianchi

03/11/2021

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is allowing bars and restaurants to be open later and increase capacity, but city inspectors are looking for COVID-19 rules violations. Five restaurants and bars were just cited.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, Lori Lightfoot, regulations

Leaving an 8th grader ‘Home Alone’ could land parents in jail

12/23/2020

A vague and restrictive state law could mean the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services comes knocking if parents leave their 13-year-old home alone.

TAGS: DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services, home alone, negligence, regulations