Rauner’s plan B for pension reform: Amend the constitution

By Benjamin VanMetre

04/09/2015

While the state waits for the Supreme Court’s SB 1 ruling, Gov. Bruce Rauner and other lawmakers are working up a pitch to amend the state constitution.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, pensions, Senate Bill 1

Committee deadline gives clues on what Rauner may sign this year

By Matt Paprocki

03/27/2015

A budget fix, local-government transparency legislation and a patient-freedom bill advanced out of committee last week.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, budget, death tax, right to try

Illinois Supreme Court hears arguments in pension case

03/11/2015

Does the Illinois Constitution’s pension clause spell disaster for the state?

TAGS: Illinois Supreme Court, pensions

Detailing Rauner’s pension plan

By Benjamin VanMetre

02/21/2015

Rauner’s initial pension proposal helps him achieve his goal of a balanced budget without tax increases. But it will take a comprehensive, 401(k)-style reform plan to solve the pension crisis once and for all.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, budget, taxes

Bruce Rauner: The first 30 days

By Matt Paprocki

02/13/2015

Issuing seven new executive orders and rescinding seven others, along with delivering a State of the State address, the new governor has had a busy first month in office.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner

Corruption Watch: January 2015

By Shawn Tonge

02/11/2015

The start of a new year always comes with resolutions for improvement, but only time will tell if they translate into effective action.

TAGS: good government

State of the state: 10 facts you need to know about transparency in a state famous for corruption

By Brian Costin

02/03/2015

The state that gave rise to Rod Blagojevich, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Rita Crundwell still hasn’t learned its lesson.

New rules for IL General Assembly display politics as usual

By Jane McEnaney

02/01/2015

Among the changes is a new posting requirement that provides only a one-hour notice before a committee hearing, diminishing transparency and accountability.

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

Illinoisans will receive income-tax relief in 2015

By Jane McEnaney

12/04/2014

With a lame-duck session dead in the water, the 2011 income-tax hikes will sunset on schedule; a minimum-wage debate will wait until Rauner takes office; and taxpayers will not be on the hook for a state-funded health insurance exchange.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, income tax, lame duck session

United States Senate

Rauner’s plan B for pension reform: Amend the constitution

Committee deadline gives clues on what Rauner may sign this year

Illinois Supreme Court hears arguments in pension case

Detailing Rauner’s pension plan

Bruce Rauner: The first 30 days

Corruption Watch: January 2015

State of the state: 10 facts you need to know about transparency in a state famous for corruption

New rules for IL General Assembly display politics as usual

Pensions are contracts; nothing more, nothing less

Illinoisans will receive income-tax relief in 2015

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students