Nick Salzmann
Nick Salzmann
“We’ve been going back and forth with the union to have that vote to no avail, so we brought in help from National Right To Work to file everything to decertify.”
The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery
The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery
Published Jan. 27, 2022 Illinois’ economy was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but 2021 was supposed to be a year of recovery. Unfortunately, the policy climate continues to be the state’s biggest liability despite high vaccination rates, great natural endowments, a talented workforce, a large financial sector and a growing tech industry. While Illinois boasts...
Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say
Quick-to-strike leaders need to be replaced, Chicago Teachers Union members say
The Members First Caucus said the current Chicago Teachers Union leaders see “work stoppages and strikes as the first step, and not the last one.” They want less political activism and more focus on delivering for members and students.
Ep. 21: Incremental pension reform with Adam Schuster
Ep. 21: Incremental pension reform with Adam Schuster
When it comes to pensions, it’s unfair to shove more workers into a broken system while the General Assembly drags its feet on real reform. What if, while we continue working toward constitutional pension reform, we could give government workers the option for more flexibility in their retirement now? Adam Schuster joins the Policy Shop...
Pritzker vetoes COVID-19 sick leave for school workers, says only vaccinated deserve it
Pritzker vetoes COVID-19 sick leave for school workers, says only vaccinated deserve it
Gov. J.B Pritzker vetoed a bill guaranteeing sick leave for school and college employees related to COVID-19. He said he would rather sign a bill reserving compensation for employees fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Illinois still missing 251,900 jobs since the pandemic began
Despite adding 262,600 jobs in 2021, Illinois is still a long way off from a full recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn.
ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time
ComEd bribery scandal restitution denied for second time
The lawsuit filed on behalf of millions of ratepayers sought to recover the costs incurred during Commonwealth Edison’s attempts to sway former House Speaker Mike Madigan. It was dismissed for a second time.
Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount
Secretary of State Offices reopen as Omicron peak subsides, statewide mitigations mount
Secretary of State Jesse White said the offices will reopen over the next two days as drivers’ facilities resume in-person services after the Omicron peak. Governor offers no such assurances about lifting mitigations in the state.
Illinois might allow parents to leave 12-year-olds home alone
Illinois might allow parents to leave 12-year-olds home alone
Illinois has the strictest latchkey law of any state. A new bill looks to change the minimum age parents can legally leave their children home alone from 14 to 12.
Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs
Crime surge, police exodus put Illinois criminal justice reforms in crosshairs
Eliminating cash bail and regulating police officers were parts of Illinois’ SAFE-T Act that some lawmakers blame for a rise in crime and loss of police officers. Republican state lawmakers want it repealed, while Democrats say it just needs tweaks.
Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan
Investigation finds Illinois politicians packed extra pork into $45 billion plan
An investigation found $4 billion in funds to be doled out by politicians at their discretion, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker controlling half of it. The extra pork was packed into Illinois’ $45 billion infrastructure plan, including $144 million for Madigan friends – some who never asked for it.
Illinois Supreme Court ponders politicians using campaign cash for criminal defense
Illinois Supreme Court ponders politicians using campaign cash for criminal defense
Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez argued a publicly elected official facing corruption charges should not be able to use campaign funds for a legal defense. If the person is not running for office, the legal bills are a “personal” expense, he contended.
Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate
Illinois teachers push back on COVID-19 vax mandate
Illinois teachers currently face mandated COVID-19 testing if unvaccinated. The Illinois State Board of Education might remove that option depending on whether it follows Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s mandate or a high court decision.
Illinois lawmakers fail to replace their ethics watchdog
Illinois lawmakers fail to replace their ethics watchdog
The Illinois General Assembly is without a watchdog. The former legislative inspector general quit after saying she was just a paper tiger. Now lawmakers cannot agree on her replacement.