AFSCME ends 2016 the way it started it: costing taxpayers millions

By Mailee Smith

12/25/2016

2016 is ending much the same way it began for Illinois taxpayers – with AFSCME costing the state millions of dollars as it stalls progress on a contract for state workers. We can expect more of the same in 2017, with union leadership doing all it can to thwart Gov. Bruce Rauner and the state’s labor board – including the possibility of a state worker strike.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Bruce Rauner, labor, unions

2 million Illinoisans struggle to put food on their tables

By Madelyn Harwood

12/25/2016

Recent data from the Illinois Department of Human Services show nearly 2 million Illinois residents need government assistance to put food on the table this holiday season, as the state continues to hemorrhage manufacturing jobs and other blue-collar opportunities. Each year’s end is a time for reflection.

TAGS: food stamps, jobs, SNAP

Springfield 2016: Taxpayer, criminal justice victories amid ongoing budget gridlock

By Ari DeWolf

12/25/2016

Although the battle for the budget drags on, there were several important legislative wins for Illinoisans in 2016 including criminal justice reform, averting tax hikes, and stopping Madigan’s agenda in the lame duck session.

$39 billion: Where does Illinois’ tax revenue come from?

By Craig Lesner

12/25/2016

Income and sales taxes account for nearly two-thirds of state revenue.

TAGS: budget, income tax, sales tax, taxes

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

Illinois takes steps toward consolidating its 7,000 units of government

12/22/2016

Illinois’ duplicative and overlapping units of government contribute to the state’s high property tax burden, but luckily some small steps have been taken to consolidate them.

TAGS: local government, local government consolidation, property taxes

Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take him into custody under Illinois law

By Jeffrey Schwab

12/22/2016

Common sense tells us most 13-year olds are perfectly capable of staying home alone after school while their parent is at work, but in Illinois, common sense isn’t the law.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services

All I want for Christmas is a new speaker

By Austin Berg

12/21/2016

If Democrats choose Madigan for the 17th time, he will be crowned the longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Amazon adds 1,000 subsidized jobs to Aurora

By Brendan Bakala

12/21/2016

After receiving incentives and abatements guaranteed by state and local taxpayer dollars, Amazon announces two new facilities in Aurora.

TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, tax credits

Illinois

AFSCME ends 2016 the way it started it: costing taxpayers millions

2 million Illinoisans struggle to put food on their tables

Springfield 2016: Taxpayer, criminal justice victories amid ongoing budget gridlock

$39 billion: Where does Illinois’ tax revenue come from?

Defending the indefensible: IMRF director on pensions

State’s record-breaking budgets make Illinoisans poorer

Illinois takes steps toward consolidating its 7,000 units of government

Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take him into custody under Illinois law

All I want for Christmas is a new speaker

Amazon adds 1,000 subsidized jobs to Aurora

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