Budget Solutions 2018: Balancing the state budget without tax hikes

By Ted Dabrowski, Craig Lesner, John Klingner, Michael Lucci

01/31/2017

A set of structural reforms that protect taxpayers and put Illinois on the path to prosperity.

Asset forfeiture in Illinois: What it is, where it happens, and reforms the state needs

By Ben Ruddell, Bryant Jackson-Green

11/16/2016

Most people expect Illinois law enforcement to defend the private property of Illinois residents. As long as you obey the law, your life, liberty and property should be secure from the law – or so common sense would suggest. Yet, every year, Illinois law enforcement agencies take tens of millions of dollars in cash, vehicles,...

Illinois remains most expensive state in Midwest for workers’ compensation

By Michael Lucci

11/10/2016

The regulatory cost of doing business in Illinois remains the highest in the Midwest for workers’ compensation, according to the 2016 Oregon Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Ranking study.[1] Illinois’ out-of-balance workers’ compensation laws contribute to the Land of Lincoln’s loss of industrial investment and blue-collar job opportunities. Illinois manufacturing firms often cite workers’ compensation as...

Pensions 101: Understanding Illinois’ massive, government-worker pension crisis

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

02/03/2016

The crisis threatens to burden taxpayers with massive, ever-escalating taxes to bail out a system that is not sustainable – government-worker pensions consume a fourth of the state’s budget.

Heavy metals: Behind the fall of Illinois industry

By Austin Berg

01/01/2016

Illinois lost 1 resident and $50,000 in taxable income every 7 minutes in 2013

By Michael Lucci

10/08/2015

Newly released IRS data show Illinois lost on net over 81,000 taxpayers and their dependents, and $4.1 billion of annual taxable income to other states in 2013.

An economic profile of Right-to-Work states

By Paul Kersey

01/28/2015

Illinois’ economy is floundering, and conditions will get worse without decisive action.

Slow job creation, record food stamps in November

By Michael Lucci

12/22/2014

Illinois’ jobs crisis has led to a dependency crisis.

TAGS: Chicago, food stamps, jobs

Allegheny Technologies to modernize retirement benefits with 401(k)-style plan

By Benjamin VanMetre

12/18/2014

Allegheny Technologies is making the switch to a 401(k)-style plan despite the fact that the company’s defined-benefit plan is currently 87 percent funded. Regardless of how well funded some defined-benefit plans can be, the plans are no longer affordable or sustainable.

TAGS: 401(k), pensions

Harvard study ranks Illinois among most corrupt states

By Brian Costin

12/13/2014

The state’s entrenched culture of cronyism is blindingly clear, especially to those who report on it for a living.

Michigan

Budget Solutions 2018: Balancing the state budget without tax hikes

Asset forfeiture in Illinois: What it is, where it happens, and reforms the state needs

Illinois remains most expensive state in Midwest for workers’ compensation

Pensions 101: Understanding Illinois’ massive, government-worker pension crisis

Heavy metals: Behind the fall of Illinois industry

Illinois lost 1 resident and $50,000 in taxable income every 7 minutes in 2013

An economic profile of Right-to-Work states

Slow job creation, record food stamps in November

Allegheny Technologies to modernize retirement benefits with 401(k)-style plan

Harvard study ranks Illinois among most corrupt states

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

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