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.
AFSCME demands
AFSCME demands
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Illinois Senate Grand Bargain
Illinois Senate Grand Bargain
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.
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.
Illinois state workers authorize strike
Illinois state workers authorize strike
After months of obstructing progress on a contract for state workers, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have voted to authorize a strike – a walkout on state taxpayers – should leadership issue the call.
Never enough: AFSCME votes to strike, declines Rauner’s contract offer that retained many lavish perks
Never enough: AFSCME votes to strike, declines Rauner’s contract offer that retained many lavish perks
The state’s largest government-worker union just voted to authorize a strike for state workers. The union perpetuates a myth that Gov. Bruce Rauner is waging war on the middle class – all while ignoring that his contract offer to state workers includes benefits unavailable to most Illinoisans working in the private sector.
5 questions, 5 guiding principles for an Illinois ‘grand bargain’ budget framework
5 questions, 5 guiding principles for an Illinois ‘grand bargain’ budget framework
Illinois lawmakers need a new approach to budget-making – one that takes into account the state’s financial mess, shows respect for taxpayers, and prioritizes spending to meet the needs of the poorest and most disadvantaged residents.