The real “State of the State”
Facts you won't hear during Gov. Quinn's State of the State 2013 address
4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap
Causes, costs, how to set the state free
View ReportIllinois General Assembly
Despite benefit cuts, number of students pursuing education continues to grow
In 2010, the Illinois Legislature passed a pension bill that cut retirement benefits for new teachers. Both of the states major public school teachers unions said at the time that it would make it harder for Illinois schools to recruit educators.
Fitch warnings don’t mean kick the can down the road
Illinois’ credit rating received a warning today from Fitch Ratings. What Fitch cited as the “ongoing inability of the state to address its large and growing unfunded pension liability” means a rating downgrade is likely unless reforms are passed within six months. That warning is just another whack for a state that already has been downgraded...
Early warning system to thank for keeping 2011 tax increase from becoming permanent
During a lame duck session two years ago, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 67 percent income tax increase on all Illinois families. When the bill was filed in early 2011, almost no one knew of its existence. I was the House staffer on revenue at the time, and I only heard about it at 6...
Early warning system to thank for keeping 2011 tax increase from becoming permanent
During a lame duck session two years ago, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 67 percent income tax increase on all Illinois families. When the bill was filed in early 2011, almost no one knew of its existence.
No pay for Illinois lawmakers until the state pays all of its past due bills?
What would happen if state officials had their paychecks suspended until the state paid all of its past due bills? State Rep. Charlie Meier, R-Okawville, thinks it would help the Illinois Legislature find a solution to the state's budget problems.
Taxpayers feel the pinch, as Illinois spends
Is your wallet a little thinner these days?
When it comes to pensions, Illinois faces lack of leadership
We keep looking for leadership and we keep ending up with politics.
Fitch warnings don’t mean kick the can down the road
Illinois credit rating received a warning today from Fitch Ratings. What Fitch cited as the ongoing inability of the state to address its large and growing unfunded pension liability means a rating downgrade is likely unless reforms are passed within s
When will the whining end and the reforming begin?
None of the plans Illinois lawmakers are considering will go anywhere near solving the states long-term pension crisis.
