Illinois’ metro areas shed 3,600 jobs in March
Illinois’ metro areas shed 3,600 jobs in March
Seven metro areas across the state lost jobs over the month.
East St. Louis police and fire pension fund crises risk state intervention
East St. Louis police and fire pension fund crises risk state intervention
East St. Louis’ police and fire pension funds experienced large funding shortfalls in 2016, putting the city at risk of revenue garnishment from the state comptroller’s office.
Bill to rein in state health care costs killed in the Senate
Bill to rein in state health care costs killed in the Senate
Senate Democrats killed a chance this week to rein in government spending, instead siding with government unions that prioritize their own power over the fiscal health of the state. Illinois taxpayers pay nearly $15,000 per state worker in health care costs alone under the most recent contract with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax
Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax
State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, has joined the fight against a progressive tax hike in Illinois.
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
Madigan files resolution supporting progressive tax
State lawmakers are facing a choice: side with House Speaker Mike Madigan or with tapped-out taxpayers.
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Senate bill would give voters authority to cut property taxes by referendum
Since 1991, some Illinois counties have traded voters’ ability to influence reductions in property taxes for a statutory limit on their growth. A recent Senate bill, however, would restore voters’ ability to reduce property tax levies through referendums.
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
Lawmakers stand for spending cap in Springfield
A constitutional amendment to impose fiscal discipline on state lawmakers is gaining bipartisan support.
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
Bill to expunge marijuana convictions passes House committee
House Bill 2367 would allow those convicted of marijuana possession before Illinois decriminalized marijuana to petition for expungement of their guilty plea or criminal conviction.
The bipartisan bullies of township government
The bipartisan bullies of township government
Townships are the cockroaches of governance. They won’t die.
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
Committee passes Senate bill taking aim at ‘golden parachute’ severance payouts
The Government Severance Pay Act would restrict outgoing officials from exiting office with excessive severance pay.
Lawmakers seek to dismantle school-choice scholarship program for low-income students
Lawmakers seek to dismantle school-choice scholarship program for low-income students
A bill in the Illinois Senate could axe the state’s first-ever tax credit scholarship program.
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Bill would allow government bonuses for union members, but ban them for other state workers
Government worker unions and their allies are preparing for a potential loss in Janus v. AFSCME, doing whatever they can to bolster union ranks. One example: House Bill 5309, which would privilege union status over the interests of other state government workers.
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation
The appearance of patronage hires in some McHenry County townships highlights consolidation efforts at the state and local level.
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
Report: Kendall County property tax rates more than double the national average
The average property tax bill for a Kendall County homeowner in 2017 totaled nearly $6,500.