Illinois one of 11 states that lets departing lawmakers immediately become lobbyists

08/13/2019

“Revolving door” laws are intended to stop state lawmakers from getting private jobs after granting political favors. Illinois is one of the few states that does little to curb the practice.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, Lisa Madigan, lobbying, Lori Lightfoot, revolving door

‘Fair tax’ backers’ own data show progressive income tax hikes harm middle class the most

By Vincent Caruso

05/10/2019

An advocacy group backing Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” plan has argued a progressive income tax hike won’t affect middle-class Illinoisans. But its most recent report shows a middle-class tax hit is likely.

TAGS: CTBA: Center for Budget and Tax Accountability, fair tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, progressive income tax, taxes

To end gerrymandering, Pritzker should push redistricting reform

By Joe Tabor

04/23/2019

Illinois’ governor pledged to veto any map gerrymandered by state lawmakers, but it’s the process of mapmaking that needs to change.

TAGS: fair maps, independent maps, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, redistricting

5 examples of government union power over the people, and 2 solutions to fix the problem

By Mailee Smith

10/24/2017

While government worker unions have had a stranglehold on the people of Illinois for far too long, the state isn’t without hope. Illinois can follow the lead of other Midwestern states and enact labor reforms.

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

By Joe Tabor, Ted Dabrowski

01/04/2017

The little-known legislative rules that govern the legislative process in the Illinois House of Representatives give the House speaker extraordinary power to orchestrate the legislative or political outcomes he or she wants. Those rules allow the speaker to influence the makeup of legislative committees; how lawmakers vote; and when, if ever, the bills get voted...

On teacher contracts, Illinois taxpayers left in the dark but stuck with the bill

By David Giuliani

05/22/2015

Secrecy in contract negotiations is a slap in the face of taxpayers.

TAGS: good government

Taxpayers on the hook for billions in hidden government-worker health-care costs

By Benjamin VanMetre, John Klingner

07/25/2014

The problem Skyrocketing retirement costs for Illinois’ state and local government workers are wreaking havoc on governments’ ability to provide core services such as public safety, education and infrastructure. States and cities across the nation continue to struggle with massive pension and health-care costs, which force residents to pay higher taxes and fees to receive...

TAGS: health insurance

Flat is Fair

By Benjamin VanMetre

10/22/2013

State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, recently revealed a new progressive tax proposal with rates that hit Illinois’ middle and working classes hard. Under current Illinois law, the individual income tax rate will be 3.75 percent in 2015. Under Jakobsson’s new plan, however, a higher 4 percent rate kicks in for people earning just $18,000. That income tax...

Progressive tax hike proposal attacks Illinois’ working and middle classes

By Benjamin VanMetre

10/15/2013

State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, recently revealed a new progressive tax proposal with rates that hit Illinois’ middle and working classes hard. Under current Illinois law, the individual income tax rate will be 3.75 percent in 2015. Under Jakobsson’s new plan, however, a higher 4 percent rate kicks in for people earning just $18,000. That...

TAGS: income tax, Naomi Jakobsson, progressive income tax

Shrinking the Illinois Senate

By Brian Costin

10/08/2013

With 42,336 elected officials as of 1992, Illinois has nearly 12,000 more state and local elected politicians than any other state. Amazingly, with this unprecedented wealth of legislators Illinois hasn’t been able to adequately address some of its most dire problems. Illinois still ranks near the bottom of the nation in numerous key economic indicators,...

TAGS: term limits

Idaho

Illinois one of 11 states that lets departing lawmakers immediately become lobbyists

‘Fair tax’ backers’ own data show progressive income tax hikes harm middle class the most

To end gerrymandering, Pritzker should push redistricting reform

5 examples of government union power over the people, and 2 solutions to fix the problem

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

On teacher contracts, Illinois taxpayers left in the dark but stuck with the bill

Taxpayers on the hook for billions in hidden government-worker health-care costs

Flat is Fair

Progressive tax hike proposal attacks Illinois’ working and middle classes

Shrinking the Illinois Senate

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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