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.
Capitol Compromised
Capitol Compromised
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.
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.
What’s a junk bond and why Illinois will be America’s first “junk” state
What’s a junk bond and why Illinois will be America’s first “junk” state
Illinois’ bonds are currently priced like they are junk-rated.
Powerball, Mega Millions to drop Illinois by June 30 due to budget crisis
Powerball, Mega Millions to drop Illinois by June 30 due to budget crisis
Popular lotteries may stop gambling on Illinois.
Illinois’ neighboring states boast better credit ratings, economies
Illinois’ neighboring states boast better credit ratings, economies
Illinois’ credit rating spirals downward while residents flee to surrounding states with stronger economies and lower taxes.
Illinois lawmakers pass legislation to create state-based workers’ compensation insurance company
Illinois lawmakers pass legislation to create state-based workers’ compensation insurance company
House Bill 2622 would create a state-run workers’ compensation insurance company using a $10M loan from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Operations Fund.
7 reasons the Illinois Republicans’ budget plan fails taxpayers
7 reasons the Illinois Republicans’ budget plan fails taxpayers
The budget plan proposed by Republican General Assembly members would raise taxes by over $5 billion without enacting any significant spending reforms.