It’s no secret Chicago aldermen aren’t friendly to outsider businesses and innovative industries. Here’s a look at some of the most egregious examples from 2016.

TAGS: Airbnb, Chicago, collaborative economy, food trucks, homesharing, regulations, Uber

Defending the indefensible: IMRF director on pensions

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

12/25/2016

The head of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, or IMRF, has dismissed calls for pension reform, disregarding the fact that pensions aren’t manageable, benefits aren’t affordable, and previous “reforms” propped up pensions on the backs of new workers.

TAGS: IMRF: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, municipal pensions, pensions

State’s record-breaking budgets make Illinoisans poorer

By Ted Dabrowski

12/25/2016

For each percentage point drop in the private sector’s share of the state economy, Illinois household incomes fall by over $3,000 on average. Unfortunately for Illinoisans, the private sector’s share of the Illinois economy has dwindled as government’s share – enabled through tax-funded spending – has risen to 25 percent.

TAGS: budget, household income, income tax, taxes

4 tax hikes a taxpayer bill of rights could have prevented

12/15/2016

In 2016, Chicago and Cook County officials approved new tax and fee hikes that will hit already overburdened residents. A taxpayer bill of rights could prevent politicians from constantly nickel-and-diming residents to make up for budget shortfalls.

TAGS: TABOR: Taxpayer Bill of Rights, taxes

AFSCME turns on the Illinois Labor Relations Board

By Mailee Smith

12/14/2016

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, desperate to avoid the implementation of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s contract offer, filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Labor Relations Board, claiming the board violated the Open Meetings Act in reaching its decision that AFSCME and the state are at impasse in contract negotiations. The labor board met Dec. 13 and reissued the decision it announced at its meeting Nov. 15 and in writing Dec. 5 – that the state and AFSCME are at impasse.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Bruce Rauner, Illinois Labor Relations Board

Cook County

Illinois Senate proposes statewide tax on soda

Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction

Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history

Illinois companies announce 464 mass layoffs, mostly in Cook County

2016: Chicago’s year of the tax hike

Uber, food trucks and Airbnb: Chicago’s 3 biggest over-regulation stories from 2016

Defending the indefensible: IMRF director on pensions

State’s record-breaking budgets make Illinoisans poorer

4 tax hikes a taxpayer bill of rights could have prevented

AFSCME turns on the Illinois Labor Relations Board

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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