House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
House passes phony property tax freeze, bill dies in Senate
The politically motivated freeze would not address key cost drivers or protect Illinois homeowners from property tax increases.
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
Illinois ranks among bottom states in fiscal health
A new study highlights the gravity of Illinois' fiscal crisis.
Illinois lawmakers want to crack down on bingo
Illinois lawmakers want to crack down on bingo
Free N Fun Bar Bingo gets around state law by employing a sweepstakes model instead of a traditional participant buy-in. And lawmakers are not happy.
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
Chicago ordinance would require fiscal impact analysis before City Council votes
A proposal co-sponsored by 32 aldermen would mandate the fiscal consequences of ordinances be made transparent.
AFSCME pay decision reveals high cost of government worker unions
AFSCME pay decision reveals high cost of government worker unions
An Illinois appellate court ruled Nov. 6 the state must pay “step” raises to the approximately 35,000 state workers represented by AFSCME – a cost that burdens already overtaxed Illinoisans.
Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal
Rhetoric, reality at odds in Springfield sexual harassment scandal
Bad actors in Springfield continue to be dealt with behind closed doors.
Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’
Chicago Ald. Ed Burke wants to fine pedestrians up to $500 for ‘distracted walking’
The proposal would fine pedestrians $90 for checking their phone at city intersections and $500 for the offense of being distracted.
Illinois General Assembly passes cursive writing mandate
Illinois General Assembly passes cursive writing mandate
Despite the potential for imposing new costs on school districts, Illinois lawmakers overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto on a bill mandating cursive writing instruction.
Rauner: Expectation vs. Reality
Rauner: Expectation vs. Reality
Rahm’s Mr. Pennybags disguise
Rahm’s Mr. Pennybags disguise
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Former University of Illinois athletic director’s pension to climb past $500K a year
Six years into retirement, Ron Guenther’s annual pension is more than $470,000 and is set to rise even higher, thanks to 3 percent yearly increases.
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Normal property taxes rise to fuel pensions
Despite increases in city contributions to both its police and fire pension funds, Normal, Illinois’, unfunded police and fire pension liabilities are growing.
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County local government debt hits $139 billion
Cook County governments have now amassed $139 billion in debt, a 30 percent increase over the last 5 years.
House again fails to ban local Right to Work
House again fails to ban local Right to Work
The Illinois House’s failure to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto is a victory for local leaders trying to attract good jobs for their communities.