Illinois unemployment rises slightly despite shrinking workforce
Illinois unemployment rises slightly despite shrinking workforce
Illinois’ June jobs data show 4,300 more Illinoisans are unemployed and the state’s labor force is down 20,400 people.
AFSCME pressuring Cook County Commissioners to raise sales, alcohol, parking and cigarette taxes
AFSCME pressuring Cook County Commissioners to raise sales, alcohol, parking and cigarette taxes
AFSCME officials proposed seven tax increases for Cook County as a way to save union jobs, including an increase in the county sales tax, a new head tax and doubling the amusement tax to 6 percent, despite the county’s local tax burden already being among the highest in the nation.
While Chicago Public Schools calls for state bailout, Chicago TIF districts bring in record $561M in revenue in 2016
While Chicago Public Schools calls for state bailout, Chicago TIF districts bring in record $561M in revenue in 2016
Slush fund hits record amounts as Chicago looks to the state for a bailout.
CPS to spend an additional $200 per student for the 2017-18 school year
CPS to spend an additional $200 per student for the 2017-18 school year
Cash-strapped and debt-ridden Chicago Public Schools plans to increase per-pupil funding by roughly $200 a student over last year’s budget.
Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces
Federal bill would give more rights to workers in unionized workplaces
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would allow workers a real say in which union represents them, require secret ballots for union voting, and ensure that all workers’ voices count – not just those who align with the union.
Chicago to reach $38M settlement over red-light camera tickets
Chicago to reach $38M settlement over red-light camera tickets
The proposed settlement would cost Chicago $38.75 million, with $26.75 being paid out in refunds and $12 million written off for those who never paid their tickets.
School district sues Mount Prospect, Ill., over TIF
School district sues Mount Prospect, Ill., over TIF
The case against Mount Prospect, Ill., shows how tax increment financing districts siphon tax money from school districts and other taxing bodies, and diverts needed resources and puts pressure on taxpayers to make up the difference.
Illinois’ $5B tax hike will be eaten up by this year’s pension payment
Illinois’ $5B tax hike will be eaten up by this year’s pension payment
Illinoisans can take a look at their paystubs and notice the state decided to hike their income tax bill by 32 percent.
Fitch keeps Illinois’ credit above junk but negative outlook remains
Fitch keeps Illinois’ credit above junk but negative outlook remains
Of the three major ratings agencies, only Moody’s Investors Service has indicated that Illinois lawmakers’ lack of long-term solutions for reducing that debt is a severe problem.
Cook County Sheriff sends out 110 layoff notices as soda tax remains on hold
Cook County Sheriff sends out 110 layoff notices as soda tax remains on hold
An Illinois appeals court upheld a temporary restraining order on Cook County’s proposed sweetened beverage tax. The Cook County sheriff’s office has sent out 110 layoff notices, citing the soda tax holdup. These layoffs come on top of 300 county worker layoffs. Cook County officials claim at least 1,100 jobs will be lost if the tax does not go into effect.
Chicago proposal would ban food trucks from Midway, charge $200 to operate at O’Hare
Chicago proposal would ban food trucks from Midway, charge $200 to operate at O’Hare
A proposal to allow food trucks at O’Hare Airport imposes extra expenses on operators and does not grant them the right to operate at Midway Airport.
CTA rail workers’ union threatens strike, CTA claims a strike would be illegal
CTA rail workers’ union threatens strike, CTA claims a strike would be illegal
Union officials have voiced concern over contract issues such as the CTA seeking higher worker contributions toward health insurance and the elimination of “inefficient practices.”
Amazon to open another Illinois location, creating up to 800 new jobs
Amazon to open another Illinois location, creating up to 800 new jobs
Amazon announced plans to open another Illinois shipping facility in Crest Hill, Ill., which is expected to create up to 800 jobs.
Illinois school finance bill bails out Chicago
Illinois school finance bill bails out Chicago
A bill that has passed the Illinois House and Senate would provide CPS with a $215 million pension bailout and other funding carve-outs.