Illinois’ Census revisions, explained

By Bryce Hill

05/20/2022

Some Illinois politicians are using an estimate to revise the Census count and claim Illinois doesn't have a problem with its residents moving away. A closer look shows they are wrong, and the danger of denial.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, outmigration, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

12/22/2021

Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential...

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2021

Illinois has a chance to fix its state finances, thanks to federal relief. But unless pension growth is brought under control, both retirees and taxpayers will be at risk as debt continues to consume state services.

Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains

06/25/2020

The city has suffered significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Pensions will further damage city services even as the pandemic fades.

TAGS: budget, Joliet, pensions

Illinois first to rely on ‘lender of last resort’ borrowing from Federal Reserve

By Adam Schuster

06/19/2020

Illinois' credit rating is just one notch above junk, the lowest of any U.S. state.

TAGS: borrowing, credit, Federal Reserve, JB Pritzker, Municipal Lending Facility

Pritzker signs budget out of balance by $6B

By Adam Schuster

06/11/2020

Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout.

TAGS: budget, coronavirus, COVID-19, deficit, JB Pritzker

5 reasons why Illinois’ latest spending plan insults taxpayers

By Adam Schuster

05/29/2020

Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout. They accepted an $1,800 raise for themselves, while only making significant cuts to education.

TAGS: budget, government spending, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, special session

Illinois’ struggling unemployment program to run out of money in May

By Adam Schuster

05/19/2020

As new claims overwhelm an unprepared and inefficient system, the state has been pre-approved for a $5 billion loan from the federal government to ensure benefits continue to be paid.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, unemployment

Pritzker wrongly claims an Illinois budget surplus ‘if not for coronavirus’

By Adam Schuster

04/30/2020

The budget was not balanced, and Illinois has not balanced a budget for nearly two decades. Pretending Illinois had no issues before COVID-19 won’t help it recover.

TAGS: budget, coronavirus, COVID-19, deficit, Donald Trump, JB Pritzker

Why Congress should reject Illinois’ $44 billion bailout request

By Adam Schuster

04/23/2020

Two decades of fiscal mismanagement have left state finances ill-prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress should condition any additional aid for troubled states on taxpayer protections that ensure pensions are solvent, accounting is realistic and budgets are balanced.

TAGS: bailout, budget, coronavirus, COVID-19, debt, Don Harmon, JB Pritzker, pensions, U.S. Congress

United States Congress

Illinois’ Census revisions, explained

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains

Illinois first to rely on ‘lender of last resort’ borrowing from Federal Reserve

Pritzker signs budget out of balance by $6B

5 reasons why Illinois’ latest spending plan insults taxpayers

Illinois’ struggling unemployment program to run out of money in May

Pritzker wrongly claims an Illinois budget surplus ‘if not for coronavirus’

Why Congress should reject Illinois’ $44 billion bailout request

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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