AFSCME uses fake ‘compromise’ to set stage for state worker strike
AFSCME uses fake ‘compromise’ to set stage for state worker strike
AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – spent two years pushing for contract provisions that would cost state taxpayers billions. Now that the union has lost before the state labor board, it has issued a “framework” for compromise. But that “framework” is merely a publicity stunt to make the union appear reasonable while union leaders threaten a strike to obtain contract provisions that burden state taxpayers.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois Senate passes term limits for legislative leaders
Illinois Senate passes term limits for legislative leaders
The Senate on Inauguration Day took action to limit the power of its legislative leaders. Meanwhile, House Democrats re-elected Mike Madigan as House speaker, ensuring he will become the longest-tenured legislative leader in modern American history.
By Austin Berg
Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction
Madigan makes history while Illinois’ middle class races toward extinction
At the end of his term in 2019, Madigan will be the longest-serving House speaker of any state in modern U.S. history.
By Austin Berg
Madigan’s economic agenda is not aggressive and it’s not reform
Madigan’s economic agenda is not aggressive and it’s not reform
The newly re-elected House speaker is pushing a new tax on businesses, an increase to the minimum wage and more spending, while doing nothing to address salient problems such as workers’ compensation and pension debt.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois’ 2015-2016 out-migration problem is much more dire than in other Midwestern states
Illinois’ 2015-2016 out-migration problem is much more dire than in other Midwestern states
Half of Midwest out-migration losses are coming from Illinois, making it the only shrinking state in the region.
By Michael Lucci
Naperville and Lisle townships to vote on consolidating road districts
Naperville and Lisle townships to vote on consolidating road districts
Voters in Naperville and Lisle townships will have the chance to vote on government consolidation after the success of a similar referendum in the November elections.
Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history
Madigan set to become longest-serving House speaker in modern U.S. history
Chicago Democrat Mike Madigan will hold the speakership for a record 17th time.
By Austin Berg
Illinois Senate budget plan includes $5 billion in tax hikes, $7 billion in borrowing
Illinois Senate budget plan includes $5 billion in tax hikes, $7 billion in borrowing
The new budget plan coming out of the Illinois Senate does little to nothing to reform the state’s reckless spending and financial mismanagement, but does plenty to hurt state taxpayers.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Rauner reaches contract deal with conservation police officers union
Rauner reaches contract deal with conservation police officers union
Gov. Bruce Rauner’s agreement on a contract with the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for conservation police officers, as well as 19 other Illinois government-worker unions, demonstrates that it is AFSCME – and not the governor – that is standing in the way of a fair contract for Illinois’ largest group of state workers.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois companies announce 464 mass layoffs, mostly in Cook County
Illinois companies announce 464 mass layoffs, mostly in Cook County
Latest WARN report sees almost all mass layoff announcements come from Cook County.
By Brendan Bakala
Kentucky legislature votes to become nation’s 27th Right-to-Work state
Kentucky legislature votes to become nation’s 27th Right-to-Work state
Both chambers of Kentucky’s legislature have passed, and Gov. Matt Bevin has promised to sign, legislation bringing worker freedom to Kentucky – and further weakening Illinois’ regional economic competitiveness.
By Michael Lucci