Illinois corruption watch: February 2016

03/07/2016

Illinoisans’ confidence in their state government is the lowest of residents of any state in the nation, and corruption stories from February 2016 don’t help.

Legislative update: Government transparency, consolidation bills on the move in Springfield

By Heather Weiner

03/07/2016

Illinois Policy Action has been busy advancing its 2016 Legislative Agenda, arguing for bills that make local- government operations more transparent to residents, and promote efficiency.

TAGS: good government

Illinois lost 56 manufacturing jobs per workday in 2015

By Michael Lucci

02/22/2016

Though neighboring and Great Lakes states added a combined 200 factory jobs per workday on net in 2015, an average of 56 Illinois manufacturing workers, on net, received pink slips each workday during the same time.

TAGS: manufacturing

Rauner backs plan to eliminate unfunded school mandates

By Mark Fitton

02/20/2016

Unfunded-mandate relief could mean a savings of $200 million annually for Illinois school districts.

TAGS: education

Obama’s birthday could become next state government holiday

By Mark Fitton

02/17/2016

A bill introduced by state Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, would make President Barack Obama’s Aug. 4 birthday Illinois’ 13th paid state holiday.

Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2016 budget address

By illinoispolicy

02/17/2016

Full transcript of Governor Bruce Rauner’s 2016 budget address, as prepared for delivery to the General Assembly on Feb. 17, 2016.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner

Illinois Democrats revive union arbitration legislation that would cut Rauner out of contract negotiations

By Hilary Gowins

02/12/2016

Through House Bill 580, Democrats in the General Assembly take a second run at removing Gov. Bruce Rauner from contract negotiations with AFSCME.

Bipartisan majority of Illinois voters support criminal-justice reform, study shows

By Bryant Jackson-Green

02/10/2016

New polling shows large majorities of Illinois Republican and Democratic voters think the state’s criminal-justice system needs a major overhaul.

TAGS: criminal justice reform

Gov. Bruce Rauner: Illinois can save $500M on purchases

By Mark Fitton

02/05/2016

Streamlining the way Illinois buys goods and services could save the state $500 million annually.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner

CPS’ postponed bond sale poses questions for Chicago and Emanuel

02/02/2016

Amid CPS’ postponed $875 million bond sale, Chicagoans should question whether the district can fill its budget hole and whether Emanuel will stand up for Chicago taxpayers or give in to more teachers union demands.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Democratic Party

Illinois corruption watch: February 2016

Legislative update: Government transparency, consolidation bills on the move in Springfield

Illinois lost 56 manufacturing jobs per workday in 2015

Rauner backs plan to eliminate unfunded school mandates

Obama’s birthday could become next state government holiday

Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2016 budget address

Illinois Democrats revive union arbitration legislation that would cut Rauner out of contract negotiations

Bipartisan majority of Illinois voters support criminal-justice reform, study shows

Gov. Bruce Rauner: Illinois can save $500M on purchases

CPS’ postponed bond sale poses questions for Chicago and Emanuel

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