Madigan dupes another governor
Madigan dupes another governor
Madigan has stared down Gov. Bruce Rauner for more than 700 days and Rauner just blinked.
Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!
Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb!
Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session in under 10 minutes
Illinois House and Senate adjourn special session in under 10 minutes
The Illinois House of Representatives met for about seven minutes, and the Senate met for approximately 10 minutes on June 21 before adjourning from special session – costing Illinois taxpayers $50,000 for less than 20 minutes of work.
Republican plan perpetuates Illinois’ financial crisis
Republican plan perpetuates Illinois’ financial crisis
The Illinois Republicans’ budget proposal includes billions in tax hikes and has an ineffective spending “cap” that will likely result in deficit spending by 2020. The plan’s lack of reforms sets taxpayers up for a permanent tax hike in 2022.
Forget the unemployment rate, Illinois is in a depression
Forget the unemployment rate, Illinois is in a depression
Illinois is tied for the worst income growth in the entire U.S.
Special session will cost taxpayers $50,000 per day
Special session will cost taxpayers $50,000 per day
The cost of getting lawmakers to Springfield alone will run taxpayers $21,000 per day.
BLS data show Illinois would have 250,000 more people working if it kept up with surrounding states
BLS data show Illinois would have 250,000 more people working if it kept up with surrounding states
Illinois has been lagging behind the rest of the region over the last decade, and will continue to do so if the state doesn’t enact necessary economic reforms.
Illinois’ unpaid bill backlog grows to more than $15B
Illinois’ unpaid bill backlog grows to more than $15B
The state’s backlog of unpaid bills is expected to reach $22.7 billion if Illinois goes a third fiscal year without a budget.
Capitol Compromised
Capitol Compromised
IDOT announces it may halt construction if no budget is passed
IDOT announces it may halt construction if no budget is passed
Roadwork will cease at the end of June unless lawmakers appropriate funds for IDOT.
Progressive income taxes in Illinois’ neighboring states target middle-class workers
Progressive income taxes in Illinois’ neighboring states target middle-class workers
Progressive tax proposals by Illinois Democrats would punish those in Illinois’ middle class who earn $50,000 or more and make the state even less competitive with its neighbors.
Amazon may employ 8,000 people in Illinois by end of 2018
Amazon may employ 8,000 people in Illinois by end of 2018
The Romeoville fulfillment center is one of several Illinois facilities Amazon has opened or plans to open in the coming years. For some of those locations, Amazon has signed deals with the state of Illinois worth tens of millions in potential tax credits.
Northern Illinois University president to receive $600K severance package amid patronage scandal
Northern Illinois University president to receive $600K severance package amid patronage scandal
Administrative costs at Illinois universities have spun out of control. The latest example comes as the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees voted to approve a $600,000 golden parachute for President Doug Baker.
Michigan introduces 401(k)-style plan for teachers
Michigan introduces 401(k)-style plan for teachers
With the successful passage of 401(k)-style pension reform in Michigan’s state legislature, Illinois lawmakers should examine their own growing pension crisis and pursue bolder reforms to stabilize the state’s finances.