Rockford Register Star

Illinoisans agree: The tax hike was a failure

By Chris Andriesen
02/23/2012
by Taylor Smith It’s no secret that Illinois’ record income tax hike has failed to revive Illinois’ fiscal health. But it also has dramatically exacerbated the state’s economic outlook on many levels. Since the tax hike, Illinois’ unemployment numbers have worsened. In 2011, Illinois’ unemployment rate increased most in the nation – by far – with 46...

Rockford Business Moves to Wisconsin

03/28/2011
by Mark Cavers Chuck Sweeney of the Rockford Register Star reports that FatWallet.com, a Rockford company employing 50 workers, has signed a lease to move its headquarters three miles north to Beloit, Wisconsin. The company was prompted to move when the General Assembly passed the Amazon Tax in early January. This isn’t a surprising move, other online retailers...

Illinois to Start Paying Interest on Loan from Federal Government

By Chris Andriesen
11/09/2010
by Wesley Fox According to the Rockford Register Star, Illinois will soon have to pay interest charges on the $2.2 billion it borrowed from the federal government.  Illinois took out the loan to help pay out unemployment benefits after the state unemployment fund ran dry. Beginning on January 1st, the federal government will begin charging interest...

Find the Government Worker

10/18/2010
  This editorial cartoon from the USA Today in 2009 reminded me of current day Illinois. Tough times for everyone, except for those who work for the government. Recently, Gov. Quinn signed a contract handing out 7 percent pay raises, a two-year “no layoff” guarantee, a pledge to close no branches, plus another round of...