Illinois

Extended School Day Could Help Kids

06/07/2010
Chicago's public schools have a shorter school day than schools in New York, Los Angeles and practically every district in Illinois.

Regulatory Roadblocks: Clearing the Path for Illinois Entrepreneurs

By Kate Campaigne Piercy
06/03/2010
The Problem Want to be a hair braider? Get a license. Already a pizza restaurateur? Raise your prices. Starting a business? First prove to the state there is a “need” for your product. Like flowers? Don’t even think about trying to sell them on the street—it’s not allowed. And, don’t dare try to start a...

Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries

By Kate Campaigne Piercy
06/02/2010
The Problem Historically, public employees have faced a trade-off: lower wages than the private sector in exchange for job security and generous benefits. That trade-off, however, has been disappearing over the years as government employees enjoy steady increases in wages, even during economic downturns. Meanwhile, businesses in the private sector must cut back or at...

Could Transparency Have Prevented Hanover Township Corruption?

05/28/2010
by Brian Costin As a resident and taxpayer of Hanover Township I am appalled to see the new allegations of corruption and the questionable expenditures in the amount of $300,000 from former Hanover Township employee Aurea Picasso. An article in the Daily Herald notes: “The investigation was launched after Hanover Township Supervisor Brian McGuire discovered what he believes...