Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check

By Austin Berg

07/07/2016

AFSCME is demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits over a new, four-year contract, which would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Madigan’s plan: Reduce wages and standard of living for Illinois’ middle class

By Michael Lucci

07/07/2016

Madigan’s stated concern for the middle class rings hollow given that his own plan to boost the state’s fiscal health consists solely of income-tax increases, which would directly reduce the wages and standard of living for Illinoisans.

TAGS: income tax, jobs, Mike Madigan, taxes

Regulatory excess can transform entrepreneurs into unwitting criminals

By Mark Adams

07/05/2016

Illinois entrepreneurs face myriad regulations that impede starting or running a business. Compliance with those regulations is costly; more importantly, it is almost impossible for entrepreneurs to know every regulation that affects their businesses. The uncertainty of not knowing the law creates a regulatory minefield and takes away opportunity for Illinoisans.

TAGS: jobs, regulations, small business

Corruption Watch

07/05/2016

Headlines in June show why Chicago is considered one of the most corrupt cities in the world.

TAGS: corruption, good government, transparency

AFSCME stays silent regarding generous benefits, continues to demand $3B in pay raises, lavish perks

By Mailee Smith

07/05/2016

More than a year without a contract, the state’s largest government-worker union is requesting unreasonable and unaffordable perks, even though the governor has already offered several extravagant benefits.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession

By Michael Lucci

07/05/2016

Most states have far outstripped Illinois on the number of jobs recovered. And even worse, Illinois has also lagged in the quality of jobs recovered. Illinois was the 37th state to recover and match its pre-recession jobs count. But there are still 110,000 fewer Illinoisans working today than before the recession began.

TAGS: Great Recession, jobs, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation

Post-mortem: What’s in Illinois’ stopgap budget?

By Heather Weiner

07/01/2016

The stopgap budget passed by the General Assembly provides six months worth of funding for government services such as road construction, as well as a full K-12 education budget for the 2016-2017 school year, property-tax-raising authority for Chicago, and more state funding of pensions for Chicago Public Schools teachers.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, budget, Chicago, education, John Cullerton, Mike Madigan

It’s time to end Illinois’ fireworks ban

By Austin Berg

06/30/2016

The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.

TAGS: fireworks ban, regulations

Gov. Bruce Rauner signs stopgap budget

By Hilary Gowins

06/30/2016

The stopgap budget compromise reached between the General Assembly and Gov. Bruce Rauner will fund government operations for the next six months and ensure that schools open on time in the fall.

Illinoisans revolt against nation’s highest property taxes

By Austin Berg

06/30/2016

Illinoisans face the highest median property-tax rate in the nation.

TAGS: outmigration, property taxes

Illinois

Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check

Madigan’s plan: Reduce wages and standard of living for Illinois’ middle class

Regulatory excess can transform entrepreneurs into unwitting criminals

Corruption Watch

AFSCME stays silent regarding generous benefits, continues to demand $3B in pay raises, lavish perks

Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession

Post-mortem: What’s in Illinois’ stopgap budget?

It’s time to end Illinois’ fireworks ban

Gov. Bruce Rauner signs stopgap budget

Illinoisans revolt against nation’s highest property taxes

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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