Unfair big government contracts hurt Illinois’ economy, cut job creation

By Orphe Divounguy, Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill

08/19/2019

Without reforms that level the playing field between the public and private sectors, the cost of Illinois’ public sector workers will continue to damage the state’s labor market, economy and taxpayers.

Illinois pension buyout program delivers just 3% of projected savings

By Vincent Caruso

07/29/2019

A plan that allowed some pension enrollees to cash in early on their earned retirement benefits in exchange for curbing future benefits has so far generated only 3% of its expected savings.

TAGS: municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, property taxes, SERS: State Employee Retirement System, SURS: State Universities Retirement System, taxes, TRS: Teachers’ Retirement System

Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

07/08/2019

A new state law prohibits Illinois store owners from selling tobacco products and e-cigarettes to residents under the age of 21.

TAGS: cigarette tax, e-cigarettes, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while driving under new state law

07/02/2019

This summer, drivers in Illinois will face stiffer penalties for texting behind the wheel.

TAGS: distracted driving, JB Pritzker

Pritzker’s AFSCME deal gives 12% automatic raises, $2,500 bonus to state workers

By Adam Schuster

06/26/2019

By continuing practices such as automatic raises and taxpayer-subsidized platinum health insurance, along with a new $2,500 bonus, the AFSCME contract will transfer more than $3.6 billion in additional compensation from taxpayers to state workers.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, JB Pritzker, labor, pension guarantee, pensions, state worker pay, taxes

Illinois becomes 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana

By Vincent Caruso, Austin Berg

06/25/2019

The Land of Lincoln is the first state to legalize recreational marijuana via the legislative process rather than a ballot initiative.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, JB Pritzker, marijuana

Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion

By Adam Schuster

06/11/2019

Contrary to claims from both Republicans and Democrats, and despite raising nearly $1.1 billion in new taxes and fees for operations, the fiscal year 2020 budget is out of balance by between $574 million and $1.3 billion.

TAGS: balanced budget requirement, budget, deficit, fair tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes

Illinois lawmakers pass marijuana legalization

By Vincent Caruso

05/31/2019

A bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois is en route to the highest office in the state.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, expungement, Kelly Cassidy, legalization, licensing, marijuana, regulations

Bipartisan township consolidation bill heads to Pritzker’s desk

05/17/2019

Former Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that would have made it easier for McHenry County residents to consolidate their townships. Renewed bipartisan support has sent it back to the governor’s desk, now occupied by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

TAGS: consolidation, local government consolidation, property taxes, taxes

Craft liquor may catch on quicker if Illinois changes law

04/15/2019

Illinois House passes bill to open up opportunities for the craft distillery industry, freeing entrepreneurs to grow to meet growing demand.

TAGS: jobs, Jonathan Carroll, Liquor Control Act, Michael Zalewski, Tom Demmer

Bruce Rauner

Unfair big government contracts hurt Illinois’ economy, cut job creation

Illinois pension buyout program delivers just 3% of projected savings

Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

Illinoisans face suspended license for texting while driving under new state law

Pritzker’s AFSCME deal gives 12% automatic raises, $2,500 bonus to state workers

Illinois becomes 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana

Pritzker signs Illinois budget out of balance by up to $1.3 billion

Illinois lawmakers pass marijuana legalization

Bipartisan township consolidation bill heads to Pritzker’s desk

Craft liquor may catch on quicker if Illinois changes law

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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