Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Illinois needs to end the third-party payer problem for teacher pensions

Illinois needs to end the third-party payer problem for teacher pensions

Illinois’ teacher pension system is structured to allow local school boards to agree to generous contracts, knowing taxpayers across the state will foot the bill. This system should change so that local school boards cover their own pension costs. That way, they will bear the full cost of salary increases they decide on, rather than pushing much of that cost onto unaware state taxpayers.

By Michael Lucci

Court strikes down ban on campaign contributions from medical marijuana licensees

Court strikes down ban on campaign contributions from medical marijuana licensees

“By singling out medical cannabis organizations,” Judge Lee wrote, the state of Illinois appeared to be favoring certain speakers based on their viewpoints – precisely the type of discrimination the Supreme Court has disapproved of in the past.

Rauner seeks quicker resolution of AFSCME impasse decision

Rauner seeks quicker resolution of AFSCME impasse decision

AFSCME’s obstruction of a contract for state workers costs taxpayers approximately $35 million to $40 million a month in healthcare costs alone. Gov. Bruce Rauner is seeking a direct appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court to bring relief to taxpayers burdened by AFSCME’s stall tactics.

By Mailee Smith

Rudy Barrera

Rudy Barrera

“I work in the assembly department, basically I assemble the trucks. I’ve been with the company four years. “Originally I’m from Mexico. I grew up over there until I was 13. I came to Chicago, lived in the city until 2001. It was OK. I lived with my parents in an apartment. I went to...

Illinois lawmaker files legislation allowing delay of legislator pay after court ruling says politicians must be paid

Illinois lawmaker files legislation allowing delay of legislator pay after court ruling says politicians must be paid

State Sen. Dan McConchie, R-Hawthorne Woods, filed legislation March 23 that would give the Illinois Comptroller’s office discretion to delay payments to lawmakers if insufficient funding exists to do so. This came just hours after a Cook County judge said lawmakers must be paid.