State-worker pensions, health care crowd out spending on education, public safety, human services

By Hilary Gowins

02/18/2016

Spending on state-worker pension benefits grew 586 percent between 2000 and 2015.

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.

Rauner looks to end pension pickups for legislative staffers

By Austin Berg

02/17/2016

The perk costs taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year.

TAGS: pensions

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

Madigan’s law: Politicians prosper as Illinoisans feel pain

By Austin Berg

02/17/2016

State lawmakers have effectively exempted themselves from the consequences of budget gridlock.

TAGS: lawmaker pay, Mike Madigan, pensions

Out of ideas: Political insiders push for a $30 billion tax hike

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

02/17/2016

The Civic Federation is pushing a $30 billion tax hike in Illinois, following the same mistaken path that got Illinois in today’s fiscal crisis.

TAGS: Civic Federation, taxes

Illinois politician proposes bill to criminalize filming fights

By Bryant Jackson-Green, Tim Lazar

02/17/2016

A proposal to criminalize recording and posting fights would violate the First Amendment rights of Illinois residents

TAGS: criminal justice reform, First Amendment

42% of Illinoisans would like to move to another state, Gallup poll shows

By Amy Korte

02/17/2016

A recent Gallup poll found residents in states with higher tax burdens are more likely to want to move. Illinoisans are the third-most-likely to say they would prefer to move permanently to another state.

TAGS: Gallup, outmigration

Illinoisans see 2nd-worst income growth in the nation since recession

By Austin Berg

02/16/2016

While Illinoisans’ incomes have flatlined since the recession, state tax revenue has grown by more than that in almost every state in the nation.

Caterpillar CEO’s warnings 4 years later: Illinois on downward slide as predicted

By Michael Lucci

02/15/2016

Illinois politicians ignored Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman’s 2012 plea for pro-growth reforms, and Illinois is the only state in the region to have lost manufacturing jobs on net over the last four years.

TAGS: manufacturing, unemployment

Illinois

State-worker pensions, health care crowd out spending on education, public safety, human services

Obama’s birthday could become next state government holiday

Rauner looks to end pension pickups for legislative staffers

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

Madigan’s law: Politicians prosper as Illinoisans feel pain

Out of ideas: Political insiders push for a $30 billion tax hike

Illinois politician proposes bill to criminalize filming fights

42% of Illinoisans would like to move to another state, Gallup poll shows

Illinoisans see 2nd-worst income growth in the nation since recession

Caterpillar CEO’s warnings 4 years later: Illinois on downward slide as predicted

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

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Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students