Right to Work is surrounding Illinois

By Michael Lucci

02/24/2015

As neighbors and regional peers move to foster business growth, Illinois is being left behind.

The 3 most powerful lessons learned from the 2011 tax hikes

By Michael Lucci

02/04/2015

Since the January 2011 tax hikes, Illinois’ recovery slowed down, the rest of the Midwest sped up and the rest of the U.S. significantly accelerated. The Great Lakes states performed in lockstep with how well they fostered the free-enterprise system.

TAGS: jobs

IL government workers trapped in failing pension funds; other states give workers options

By Benjamin VanMetre

01/29/2015

Utah passed a 401(k)-style reform plan in 2011. The state’s pension funds had a 50 percent chance of becoming insolvent by 2028 prior to the state’s reform plan – but the reform dropped that chance to 10 percent.

TAGS: 401(k), state worker pay

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.

Pensions are contracts; nothing more, nothing less

By Benjamin VanMetre

01/22/2015

Illinois Policy Institute files amicus brief in SB 1 case

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois Constitution, Illinois Supreme Court, pensions, Senate Bill 1

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.

Illinois Corruption Watch: November 2014

By Brian Costin

12/07/2014

In November, 13 of 53 Corruption Watch stories were related to policies and actions of criminal-justice authorities in Illinois.

TAGS: Chicago

Record 1.05 million Illinois households on food stamps this Thanksgiving

By Michael Lucci

11/30/2014

More and more households becoming dependent on food stamps reveals the true impact of Illinois’ sputtering economy.

TAGS: food stamps, jobs

Michigan

Right to Work is surrounding Illinois

The 3 most powerful lessons learned from the 2011 tax hikes

IL government workers trapped in failing pension funds; other states give workers options

An economic profile of Right-to-Work states

Pensions are contracts; nothing more, nothing less

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 Corruption Watch: November 2014

Record 1.05 million Illinois households on food stamps this Thanksgiving

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