Harvey pension crisis shows why local governments need a 401(k) option

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

08/23/2017

The Harvey, Illinois, firefighters’ nearly bankrupt pension fund makes up just one part of Illinois’ combined $267 billion in state and local pension liabilities.

TAGS: 401(k), municipal pensions, pensions

Rauner vetoes proposal for state-owned workers’ compensation insurance provider

By Brendan Bakala

08/22/2017

House Bill 2622 would create a state-run workers’ compensation insurance company, while failing to address the real problems with Illinois’ workers’ compensation system – the most expensive in the region.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, veto, workers compensation

Cook County officials claim resolution of food stamp soda tax problems

By Brendan Bakala

08/18/2017

Retailers will now have to either program cash registers not to tax purchases made with food stamps, or implement a “manual override.”

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, food stamps, SNAP, soda tax

Former Illinois lawmakers powered by energy interests

By Austin Berg

08/17/2017

No Americans trust their state government less than Illinoisans.

TAGS: corruption, Ed Burke, good government, lobbying, Mike Madigan

New bill would outlaw Cook County soda tax

By Brendan Bakala

08/15/2017

House Bill 4082 would ban Illinois home rule counties from levying taxes on sweetened drinks by volume sold.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, sugar tax

Cook County commissioners file ordinance to repeal soda tax

By John Kristof

08/10/2017

Commissioners from both parties are supporting a repeal effort of the sweetened beverage tax following widespread public outcry.

TAGS: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, soda tax, Toni Preckwinkle

Illinois House Speaker Madigan now the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history

By Austin Berg

08/10/2017

Madigan has now controlled his chamber as speaker for more than 11,900 days.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, term limits

More Chicago Public Schools layoffs on the way

By Chris Lentino

08/09/2017

Chicago Public Schools’ teacher and staff layoff announcement comes as the district pushes for more state money despite Chicago’s millions in TIF funds.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, education, Rahm Emanuel

Illinois’ July WARN report shows nearly 1,500 mass layoffs

By Brendan Bakala

08/09/2017

The collar counties were hit hardest by mass layoffs in July.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment, WARN

Former Cook County assessor’s office employee pleads guilty in bribery scheme

By Brendan Bakala

08/07/2017

Unfortunately, exchanging money for lower property tax bills is nothing new at the Cook County assessor’s office.

TAGS: Cook County, property taxes

Chicago Tribune

Harvey pension crisis shows why local governments need a 401(k) option

Rauner vetoes proposal for state-owned workers’ compensation insurance provider

Cook County officials claim resolution of food stamp soda tax problems

Former Illinois lawmakers powered by energy interests

New bill would outlaw Cook County soda tax

Cook County commissioners file ordinance to repeal soda tax

Illinois House Speaker Madigan now the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history

More Chicago Public Schools layoffs on the way

Illinois’ July WARN report shows nearly 1,500 mass layoffs

Former Cook County assessor’s office employee pleads guilty in bribery scheme

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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