1.6 million Illinoisans need a government license to work

By Michael Lucci

10/07/2016

Needless licensing requirements are killing job opportunities, especially for lower-income Illinoisans.

TAGS: jobs, occupational licensing, unemployment

Jobs growth, not raising the minimum wage, is best way to fight crime

By Bryant Jackson-Green

05/15/2016

The White House encourages raising the minimum wage as a way to reduce crime, but this proposal ignores what happens when people are priced out of legal work.

TAGS: minimum wage

Missouri lawmaker proposes bill to allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control

By Mark Adams

02/18/2016

A Republican-sponsored bill in Missouri could make it easier, less costly and more convenient for women across Illinois’ border to obtain birth control.

Why the White House is opening up about occupational licensing

By Hilary Gowins

08/07/2015

Licensing schemes are inconsistent in numerous ways, with some states imposing strict regulations on a profession while others don't require licensing at all.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Obama urges Congress to pass law letting Puerto Rico declare bankruptcy, time to let Illinois do the same

06/30/2015

If the White House wants to give Puerto Rico the right to bankruptcy, it should extend the option to all states and territories.

TAGS: bankruptcy, Puerto Rico

Tribune investigation exposes Emanuel patronage politics

By Austin Berg

02/07/2015

Research found more than half of the mayor’s top 100 donors benefitted from city government, “receiving contracts, zoning changes, business permits, pension work, board appointments, regulatory help or some other tangible benefit.”

TAGS: Chicago, election, mayor, patronage, Rahm Emanuel

Tweet debunk of the week: 28 million Americans would see higher wages if Congress votes to #RaiseTheWage

By Naomi Lopez Bauman

05/02/2014

Not only does the White House overstate the potential benefits of increasing the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour – but it also fails to mention that there would be fewer people working. According to a recent report from the Congressional Budget Office, 16 million Americans – not the White House’s reported 28 million...

ObamaCare gimmicks won’t secure more young enrollees

By Naomi Lopez Bauman

03/19/2014

A recent flurry of ObamaCare marketing gimmicks aimed at young Americans reeks of desperation on the part of the administration and Illinois state officials. Recent examples coming from the White House include a “Funny or Die” spoof interview featuring President Barack Obama with comedian Zach Galifianakis to a series of health care-themed GIFs on the...

Illinois paid out $266M in improper unemployment insurance payments

By Brian Costin

01/14/2014

Earlier this week in a televised White House address President Barack Obama said, “I can’t name a time where I met an American who would rather have an unemployment check than the pride of having a job.” But Obama’s statement is contrary to recent statistics released by the U.S. Department of Labor, which show many...

TAGS: unemployment

ObamaCare: The national punch line

By Naomi Lopez Bauman

10/23/2013

Comedian Jon Stewart ranted recently that there are more people who believe that ObamaCare was repealed than who have signed up for it. The president’s signature achievement is now a national punch line. The federal ObamaCare health insurance exchange website, healthcare.gov, has been plagued with problems since it was unveiled on Oct. 1. Many have...

TAGS: ACA: Affordable Care Act, Jay Carney, Jon Stewart

White House

1.6 million Illinoisans need a government license to work

Jobs growth, not raising the minimum wage, is best way to fight crime

Missouri lawmaker proposes bill to allow pharmacists to prescribe birth control

Why the White House is opening up about occupational licensing

Obama urges Congress to pass law letting Puerto Rico declare bankruptcy, time to let Illinois do the same

Tribune investigation exposes Emanuel patronage politics

Tweet debunk of the week: 28 million Americans would see higher wages if Congress votes to #RaiseTheWage

ObamaCare gimmicks won’t secure more young enrollees

Illinois paid out $266M in improper unemployment insurance payments

ObamaCare: The national punch line

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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