Ep. 17: Getting a legislative win with Austin Berg
Ep. 17: Getting a legislative win with Austin Berg
Guest: Austin Berg
Illinois breaks record for population loss, outmigration in 2021
Illinois breaks record for population loss, outmigration in 2021
Despite a higher-than-expected 2020 population count, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates Illinoisans moving away was the sole reason for the state’s record loss of the equivalent of nearly everyone in Springfield.
Amendment 1 could undermine 11 DCFS provisions aimed at protecting children
Amendment 1 could undermine 11 DCFS provisions aimed at protecting children
Amendment 1 would allow unions to override provisions put in place for the protection of the children Illinois is supposed to be safeguarding.
Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate upheld for Chicago firefighters, city workers
Lightfoot’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate upheld for Chicago firefighters, city workers
The ruling upholding Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccination mandate for city workers, except police, sets a precedent ahead of arbitration between the city and more than 20 Chicago labor unions.
Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan
Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan
Illinois borrowed $4.2 billion from the federal government to replenish its unemployment trust fund, missed the deadline to repay it and now wants to avoid the interest that is due.
Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M
Illinois may sell Thompson Center for $70M, buy back part for $148M
Has Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker got a deal for you: Sell a whole state building in downtown Chicago for less than half of what taxpayers will pay to get back one-third of it.
Illinois ranks dead last in lawsuit freedom
Illinois ranks dead last in lawsuit freedom
How free are Illinoisans? Below average in most measures, and not very regarding lawsuits, the Cato Institute found.
Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas
Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas
About one-third more people will be on the road this holiday season. For Illinoisans, the gas to get home for the holidays will be pricey.
Cook County businesses should require vax proof or COVID-19 test
Cook County businesses should require vax proof or COVID-19 test
Cook County businesses should be checking for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before letting anyone in their doors, the health department has declared.
Mike Crenshaw
Mike Crenshaw
“I just feel that as a taxpayer, I should be able to decide when I give, and receive, my money. Also. I should be able to decide whether I want to contribute to a pension. I know how to budget my own finances from month to month. That’s something that I teach in my classes.”
38 provisions in Illinois School Code could be undermined by Amendment 1
38 provisions in Illinois School Code could be undermined by Amendment 1
Amendment 1 would allow union leaders to negotiate anything and everything into union contracts – including provisions that could contradict state laws meant to protect Illinois schoolchildren.
Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors
Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors
A report on rapid growth among Cook County’s senior population found nearly 60% spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Experts insist on more county housing options or tactics to lower costs.
Lightfoot trying to save Chicago youngsters from kids’ meal soda pop
Lightfoot trying to save Chicago youngsters from kids’ meal soda pop
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants to require Chicago restaurants to first offer a selection of government-approved healthy drink options for kids’ meals. Restaurants would be barred from advertising sugary beverage options.
Illinois pension debt is little less worse, but still worst in U.S.
Illinois pension debt is little less worse, but still worst in U.S.
Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension debt shrank slightly after investments more than tripled predictions, thanks partly to COVID-19 stimulus. Experts caution 1 year cannot undo decades of overpromising and underfunding.