by Emily Dietrich President Obama presented a $450 billion proposal to a joint session of Congress last week. He instructed lawmakers: “Pass this bill, and hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged young people will have the hope and the dignity of a summer job next year. And their parents – their parents – low-income Americans who...
by Brian Costin Cook County and the city of Chicago both share a dubious distinction: Both are in the top 10 most populous counties and cities in the U.S., and both are the only city and county in the top 10 to drop in population, according U.S. Census numbers released Thursday. See the Chicago Tribune story....
By Collin Hitt
02/02/2011
The tax increases signed into law this month by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn will cost most Illinois households $1,000 – equivalent to one or more weeks’ pay. How many families can afford to miss a paycheck? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average family living in the Midwest earns just under $60,000 annually and consists...
Currently in Illinois, 90 percent of retired state employees (or their survivors) do not pay premiums for their healthcare coverage.
Cost of tax hike equivalent to average Illinois paycheck gone.
by Brian Costin According to the 2009 American Community Survey, “The poverty level in Illinois increased 24 percent over the past decade — to 13.3 percent in 2009, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau this morning.” How could this be? While the overall economy is bad, are our policies contributing to increased poverty...
y Amanda Griffin-Johnson Since 2000, Chicago’s city budget has increased by 11.6%, when adjusted for inflation. So what are reasons for the budget growth? According to the most recent estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, Chicago’s population only increased by 1% between 2000 and 2008. Reasons for budget increases mentioned in the city press release for the 2010 budget...
The AP released information from a forthcoming audit of the Census Bureau detailing wasteful spending during the preparations for the 2010 census.
The AP released information from a forthcoming audit of the Census Bureau detailing wasteful spending during the preparations for the 2010 census.
Critics say that the effect of suspending the Illinois Gas Tax will be minimal and would deprive state government of needed taxes to build highways and roads. They are wrong on both counts. Lowering the gas sales tax from 6.25% to 1.25% (HB6318) will make a material difference in the lives of Illinois residents in...