Harvey pension crisis shows why local governments need a 401(k) option
Harvey pension crisis shows why local governments need a 401(k) option
The Harvey, Illinois, firefighters’ nearly bankrupt pension fund makes up just one part of Illinois’ combined $267 billion in state and local pension liabilities.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Rauner vetoes proposal for state-owned workers’ compensation insurance provider
Rauner vetoes proposal for state-owned workers’ compensation insurance provider
House Bill 2622 would create a state-run workers’ compensation insurance company, while failing to address the real problems with Illinois’ workers’ compensation system – the most expensive in the region.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago TIFs take nearly $500M in yearly tax revenues away from other local governments
Chicago TIFs take nearly $500M in yearly tax revenues away from other local governments
Since 2006, Chicago Public Schools has been deprived of $2.5 billion in property tax revenue that has been diverted to Chicago TIF districts.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
After soda tax, Preckwinkle doles out premium perks and bonuses
After soda tax, Preckwinkle doles out premium perks and bonuses
After threatening thousands of job cuts, President Preckwinkle agrees to a lucrative contract with one of Cook County’s unions.
By Chris Lentino
AFSCME stall tactics are all political – and they’re costing Illinoisans millions
AFSCME stall tactics are all political – and they’re costing Illinoisans millions
Illinois’ largest government worker union is likely stalling contract negotiations in hopes of dealing with a new governor in 2019.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago aldermen fail to attend committee meetings nearly half the time
Chicago aldermen fail to attend committee meetings nearly half the time
Committee meetings are a critical step in the legislative process, yet aldermen skip them almost half the time.
By Chris Lentino
Chicago City Council records reveal severe shortage of serious legislation
Chicago City Council records reveal severe shortage of serious legislation
Substantive ordinances make up less than 2 percent of all legislation considered by the current City Council over the past two years.
By Chris Lentino
Moody’s warns delay of state funding for Illinois schools a ‘credit negative’
Moody’s warns delay of state funding for Illinois schools a ‘credit negative’
School funding is locked up due to the current fight in Springfield over the state’s new education funding formula and the bailout of Chicago Public Schools it contains.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Government consolidation gains momentum, but there’s more to be done
Government consolidation gains momentum, but there’s more to be done
Illinois is taking small steps toward consolidating some of its duplicitous local governments, but bold reforms are needed to start addressing the state’s nearly 7,000 taxing bodies, the most in the nation.
Cook County officials claim resolution of food stamp soda tax problems
Cook County officials claim resolution of food stamp soda tax problems
Retailers will now have to either program cash registers not to tax purchases made with food stamps, or implement a “manual override.”
By Brendan Bakala
Manny Cunningham
Manny Cunningham
“Every morning, I’m in the car by 5:15 a.m. to come here and teach these kids how to work in construction. “I do it because I love my job. I’m happy every day when I come to work. But I also do it because they risk everything to come here. And a lot of times...
Former Illinois lawmakers powered by energy interests
Former Illinois lawmakers powered by energy interests
No Americans trust their state government less than Illinoisans.
By Austin Berg