Illinois government saw too many make ‘naughty’ list in 2020

By Brad Weisenstein

12/22/2020

COVID-19 showed everyone the heroes in health care and essential services, but it also exposed weak character or bad behavior of many in Illinois government.

TAGS: Christmas, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan

Pritzker calls for $700M in service cuts, silent on pension reform

By Brad Weisenstein

12/17/2020

Illinois’ current budget started out at a deficit, hoped for a tax increase that was rejected and counted on a federal bail-out that never came. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s best fix is pension reform.

TAGS: budget, COVID-19, deficit, JB Pritzker, pensions

Pensions set to consume 29% of Illinois’ budget amid $7 billion debt increase

By Adam Schuster

12/17/2020

New official reporting from the state of Illinois shows both rising debt and rising costs in state retirement systems, with essential government services again facing cuts.

TAGS: COGFA: Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, debt, Illinois, Moody's Investor Service, pensions

Peoria pensions causing police, fire layoffs as property tax hike sought

12/15/2020

Emergency services have been cut in Peoria because public pension costs are growing. Voters will be asked whether a property tax hike should fix the problem.

TAGS: firefighter pensions, Peoria, police pensions, property tax

Chicago drivers to see third gas tax increase in 18 months

12/15/2020

Chicago leaders are using another gas tax hike to help fill a budget hole driven by pensions. Total gas taxes and fees are closing in on $1 per gallon.

TAGS: Chicago, gas tax, Lori Lightfoot

Illinois lawmakers want voters to have recall power over Madigan

12/10/2020

Two state lawmakers want to amend the Illinois Constitution so voters can recall elected leaders. There is a simpler path to fix the state’s corruption.

TAGS: Jason Barickman, Mark Batinick, Mike Madigan, recall

Madison County voters asked about Illinois lawmaker raises, double dipping

By Joe Tabor

11/02/2020

Two advisory ballot initiatives will ask Madison County voters about automatic raises for lawmakers and public worker double dipping.

TAGS: ballot referendums, lawmaker pay, Madison County, pensions

Pritzker’s final ‘fair tax’ plea to voters

By illinoispolicy

10/31/2020

Illinois politicians do not have a great track record when it comes to keeping promises to taxpayers.

TAGS: fair tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, retirement tax

Illinois retirees would pay $2,482 in state income taxes if “fair tax” targets them

By Bryce Hill

10/30/2020

Members of Pritzker’s administration, advisors and lawmakers have suggested a progressive income tax should tax retirement income in Illinois.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker, retirement tax

Madigan loses support of another Democrat in Illinois House

10/23/2020

House Speaker Mike Madigan has now lost the support of eight Democrats in the House, with most seeking his immediate resignation, since he was implicated in a $1.3 million federal bribery scandal.

TAGS: corruption, Maurice West, Mike Madigan

Constitution of Illinois

Illinois government saw too many make ‘naughty’ list in 2020

Pritzker calls for $700M in service cuts, silent on pension reform

Pensions set to consume 29% of Illinois’ budget amid $7 billion debt increase

Peoria pensions causing police, fire layoffs as property tax hike sought

Chicago drivers to see third gas tax increase in 18 months

Illinois lawmakers want voters to have recall power over Madigan

Madison County voters asked about Illinois lawmaker raises, double dipping

Pritzker’s final ‘fair tax’ plea to voters

Illinois retirees would pay $2,482 in state income taxes if “fair tax” targets them

Madigan loses support of another Democrat in Illinois House

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

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Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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