Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

AFSCME blurs the lines between ‘representational’ and ‘political’ spending, to the detriment of fair share payers

AFSCME blurs the lines between ‘representational’ and ‘political’ spending, to the detriment of fair share payers

Government workers in Illinois can opt out of union membership, but they still have to pay fees to the union. Those fees are not supposed to go toward political activities, but a close look at AFSCME’s most recent union report demonstrates how unions use fair share fees for activities most people would consider “political.”

By Mailee Smith

Workers’ compensation estimated to cost Illinois taxpayers nearly $1 billion per year

Workers’ compensation estimated to cost Illinois taxpayers nearly $1 billion per year

Workers’ compensation is a significant cost to Illinois taxpayers and drains scarce tax dollars from government coffers. A previous report in this series estimated the direct cost of workers’ compensation to state, county and municipal governments is $402 million in worker payouts per year.1 Building upon those findings, this report estimates that the total cost of workers’ compensation to...

By Michael Lucci

Illinois Supreme Court’s denial of quicker AFSCME appeal means taxpayers still on the hook for millions each month

Illinois Supreme Court’s denial of quicker AFSCME appeal means taxpayers still on the hook for millions each month

AFSCME obstructed progress for months on a new contract for state workers. Whether AFSCME and the state are at impasse in negotiations now sits with the Illinois courts – and the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision not to take a direct appeal of the case means taxpayers must continue to pay an additional $35 million to $40 million each month in health care costs alone.

By Mailee Smith

Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs

Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs

The company’s announcement affects 800 hourly employees, though 1,200 workers will remain in Aurora. In January, Caterpillar announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Chicago and out of its longtime hub in Peoria.

By Hilary Gowins

Luxembourg’s ambassador sends letter to Illinois House leaders

Luxembourg’s ambassador sends letter to Illinois House leaders

Luxembourg’s ambassador to the United States has voiced objections to an Illinois House bill that would label Luxembourg a tax haven and subject corporations expatriated there to restrictions on investments and business dealings with the state of Illinois.

By Brendan Bakala