Roni Facen
Roni Facen
“Our kids here in this community deserve it. They deserve the opportunity to choose where they go to school and be provided with the best education possible."
The Policy Shop: The one group trying to kill Illinois’ sole school choice program
The Policy Shop: The one group trying to kill Illinois’ sole school choice program
This week’s The Policy Shop is from Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute The start of spring reminds us two things are ending: the school year and the spring legislative session. That means time is running out to save Invest in Kids – the tax credit...
Illinois gas tax revenue hits $212 million in April, highest monthly total this year
Illinois gas tax revenue hits $212 million in April, highest monthly total this year
Illinois is eighth in the nation for most expensive gas, and reduced oil production in May could drive prices even higher. It all means more taxes for the state.
4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption
4 ways Springfield should combat ‘ComEd 4’ corruption
A jury found all “ComEd Four” defendants guilty of bribing Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation. It was an alarm for Springfield lawmakers that half-measures don’t work and lasting ethics reform is needed in Illinois.
Illinois’ COVID disaster ends after 1,155 days
Illinois’ COVID disaster ends after 1,155 days
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 42nd and final disaster proclamation has expired after 1,155 days in a state of emergency. Illinois was 1 of only 6 states still under emergency orders because of the pandemic.
‘ComEd Four’ defendant convicted in bribery scheme could keep pension
‘ComEd Four’ defendant convicted in bribery scheme could keep pension
Officials at the General Assembly Retirement System suspended Michael McClain’s legislative pension after he was convicted on nine counts of bribery in the ‘ComEd Four’ trial. Precedent suggests it may not be permanent.
Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Pennsylvania’s House Bill 950 is worded exactly like Illinois’ Amendment 1. Illinois labor leaders recently claimed Illinois’ amendment is the “blueprint” for other states, such as Pennsylvania.
Second big investment firm may leave Chicago for Miami
Second big investment firm may leave Chicago for Miami
Industry sources report one of Chicago’s largest money management firms could soon move their Illinois headquarters to Florida. Guggenheim Partners would be the sixth large company and second investment firm to move out of Illinois in the past year.
Illinois politicians want extra $25M for Democratic National Convention security in Chicago
Illinois politicians want extra $25M for Democratic National Convention security in Chicago
Illinois’ congressional Democrats asked for an additional $25 million to pay for security at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Host cities typically receive $50 million.
The Policy Shop: The connection between Illinois’ pension and population crises
The Policy Shop: The connection between Illinois’ pension and population crises
This week’s The Policy Shop is by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research for the Illinois Policy Institute. Illinois’ pension crisis is the driving force behind its high property taxes. With $140 billion in unfunded liabilities in the five state-run systems alone, plus another $70 billion in local pension system debt, state lawmakers’ default...
‘ComEd 4’ found guilty on all counts in scheme to bribe Michael Madigan
‘ComEd 4’ found guilty on all counts in scheme to bribe Michael Madigan
The four top lobbyists and executives at the state’s largest electric utility were convicted May 2 for their involvement in a multi-year scheme to funnel $1.3 million in jobs, contracts and payments to sway the former Illinois House Speaker.
Cook County pension ‘fix’ could cost Illinois billions, fail to fund retirements
Cook County pension ‘fix’ could cost Illinois billions, fail to fund retirements
The proposal by state Sen. Robert Martwick is intended to fix a technical problem with the Tier 2 pension system, but Martwick said he doesn’t know how much it could cost taxpayers. He said it could be “billions.”
Pritzker calls for campaign finance reform after spending $323M on campaigns
Pritzker calls for campaign finance reform after spending $323M on campaigns
Gov. J.B. Pritzker told Harvard students self-financing political campaigns isn’t the answer, calling for campaign finance reform. Pritzker self-financed both of his gubernatorial campaigns for a total of $323 million.