United States Census Bureau

Healthcare without Premiums

01/31/2011
Currently in Illinois, 90 percent of retired state employees (or their survivors) do not pay premiums for their healthcare coverage.

Illinois Poverty Level Up 24% Since 1999

09/28/2010
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...

Chicago’s City Budget Up 11.6% since 2000

06/30/2010
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...

A Stimulating Idea: The Case For An Illinois Gas Tax Suspension

05/20/2008
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...