Illinois Supreme Court’s denial of quicker AFSCME appeal means taxpayers still on the hook for millions each month
Illinois Supreme Court’s denial of quicker AFSCME appeal means taxpayers still on the hook for millions each month
AFSCME obstructed progress for months on a new contract for state workers. Whether AFSCME and the state are at impasse in negotiations now sits with the Illinois courts – and the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision not to take a direct appeal of the case means taxpayers must continue to pay an additional $35 million to $40 million each month in health care costs alone.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois AFSCME workers receive, on average, nearly $110,000 in total compensation
Illinois AFSCME workers receive, on average, nearly $110,000 in total compensation
The highest state worker salaries in the nation, overtime pay, generous state pensions, taxpayer-subsidized health care coverage and free retiree health insurance for career workers combine to give the average Illinois AFSCME worker six-figure annual compensation.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Illinois Department of Corrections paid 55 nurses over $100K per year
Illinois Department of Corrections paid 55 nurses over $100K per year
Despite a fight from the union, the Illinois Department of Corrections is replacing 124 unionized nurses with private subcontractors, which could save taxpayers millions each year.
Many St. Clair County residents would face higher sales tax rates than Chicago if sales tax proposals pass
Many St. Clair County residents would face higher sales tax rates than Chicago if sales tax proposals pass
If voters approve proposals to raise St. Clair County sales taxes by a combined 2 percent, people in some parts of St. Clair County would face total sales taxes of over 11 percent.
By Lea Thoele
Why are Illinois Democrats preparing to bail out bankers and cash-strapped local governments?
Why are Illinois Democrats preparing to bail out bankers and cash-strapped local governments?
Bailout bills moving in the Illinois General Assembly would attempt to turn Illinois’ massive debt problems into guaranteed profits for banks and bondholders and a lower standard of living for other Illinoisans.
By Michael Lucci
Wisconsin and Indiana hit new all-time highs for number of people working
Wisconsin and Indiana hit new all-time highs for number of people working
In the last decade, Illinois’ economy and the economies of neighboring states have gone in opposite directions, with more people now working in Wisconsin and Indiana combined.
By Michael Lucci
Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs
Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs
The company’s announcement affects 800 hourly employees, though 1,200 workers will remain in Aurora. In January, Caterpillar announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Chicago and out of its longtime hub in Peoria.
By Hilary Gowins
Luxembourg’s ambassador sends letter to Illinois House leaders
Luxembourg’s ambassador sends letter to Illinois House leaders
Luxembourg’s ambassador to the United States has voiced objections to an Illinois House bill that would label Luxembourg a tax haven and subject corporations expatriated there to restrictions on investments and business dealings with the state of Illinois.
By Brendan Bakala
Moody’s warning of an “inflection point” in Illinois signals need for spending reforms
Moody’s warning of an “inflection point” in Illinois signals need for spending reforms
Illinois lawmakers should heed Moody’s Investors Service’s warnings about the state’s precarious economic health and dire fiscal situation and enact major structural spending reforms to balance the budget.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Chicago Teachers Union seeks more negotiating power, strike authority in HB 1253
Chicago Teachers Union seeks more negotiating power, strike authority in HB 1253
While states surrounding Illinois are enacting labor reforms that benefit residents, Illinois remains a bastion of labor power. Now the Chicago Teachers Union wants even more power – including the broadened right to go on strike and strand parents and students.
By Mailee Smith
Legislation would allow people convicted of cannabis offenses to petition for expungement if Illinois legalizes marijuana
Legislation would allow people convicted of cannabis offenses to petition for expungement if Illinois legalizes marijuana
A proposed amendment to Illinois’ Criminal Identification Act would allow people to petition to have their arrest and conviction records cleared of any cannabis-related offenses that Illinois ultimately takes off the books through marijuana legalization.
By Hilary Gowins