Illinois takes steps to more easily replace striking workers
Illinois takes steps to more easily replace striking workers
Following a strike authorization vote by the union representing Illinois workers, the state launched a website that streamlines the application process for temporary workers. It allows the state to more easily carry on operations should state workers decide to walk out on the job.
By Mailee Smith
10 reasons Illinois’ ‘grand bargain’ fails taxpayers
10 reasons Illinois’ ‘grand bargain’ fails taxpayers
The Illinois Senate’s proposed budget deal is full of tax hikes because it lacks the necessary spending reforms needed to right Illinois’ fiscal ship.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Flow of Illinoisans into Indiana is becoming a flood
Flow of Illinoisans into Indiana is becoming a flood
Nearly 20,000 Illinoisans on net moved to the Hoosier State in 2015.
By Madelyn Harwood
Illinois spends the most per student of any state in the Midwest
Illinois spends the most per student of any state in the Midwest
On average, Illinois schools spend $13,077 per student.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Jonathan Broscious
Jonathan Broscious
“It really is a concern that job opportunities are leaving. I think Newton has tremendous potential. I think there’s a workforce here that’s ready to go to work, that’s ready to start making a great living for their families. “But the disadvantage that I see is that we are so close to Indiana, where it’s...
Illinois trial bar peddles myths about workers’ compensation
Illinois trial bar peddles myths about workers’ compensation
The trial bar’s claim of profiteering is misdirection from the real issues. But if the trial bar wants more regulation of profit rates, it should begin with regulation of the profit rates of law firms that make their business on workers’ compensation cases.
By Michael Lucci
Useless committees provide political pay raises for state lawmakers
Useless committees provide political pay raises for state lawmakers
Buried in the House rules lawmakers passed in January are a dozen new committees, bringing the total number of standing committees in the House to 45. Committee chairs receive a $10,326 stipend annually.
By Austin Berg
Dispelling AFSCME’s myths about contract negotiations with the state of Illinois
Dispelling AFSCME’s myths about contract negotiations with the state of Illinois
State workers represented by AFSCME just voted to authorize a strike. Unfortunately, members might have based their votes on myths perpetuated by the union.
By Mailee Smith
AFSCME members don’t have to go on strike: They can become fair share payers
AFSCME members don’t have to go on strike: They can become fair share payers
Illinois state workers who don’t want to go on strike can become fair share payers. Here’s how.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois state workers risk losing jobs by going on strike
Illinois state workers risk losing jobs by going on strike
State workers represented by AFSCME are currently voting on whether to authorize a strike - here's what's at stake for employees who decide to honor a strike.
By Mailee Smith
AFSCME workers: Don’t want to lose money and risk your job? Become a fair share payer
AFSCME workers: Don’t want to lose money and risk your job? Become a fair share payer
With a strike looming, state workers should know they have another option: becoming fair share payers. Fair share employees receive all the benefits guaranteed in a union-negotiated contract, but the union cannot punish them for working during a strike.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago officials announce $325K in TIF spending … on batting cages
Chicago officials announce $325K in TIF spending … on batting cages
The city’s latest taxpayer-funded development project reinforces the need to eliminate tax increment financing in favor of honest and transparent city budgeting.
By Chris Lentino