Just as Illinoisans elect state representatives, state representatives elect the speaker of the House every two years. To become the speaker, Madigan just needs a majority vote.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees has used stall tactics in labor negotiations, in an apparent attempt to wait out the state till more union-friendly lawmakers could be elected and hand AFSCME its demands outside the contract negotiating process.
The new business, Mars Wrigley Confectionery, forms after Mars purchased minority stake in Wrigley.
Voters will have the opportunity in November to decide, by way of a constitutional amendment, whether lawmakers should be able to divert transportation funds toward other priorities.
The artificial sweetener manufacturer will lay off 89 workers and move out of state.
Granting favors to politicians is the cost of doing business for sports team owners in Chicago.
September WARN report shows 790 mass layoffs, including 128 in manufacturing.
“I’m against buying anything in Chicago. I wouldn’t want property. You basically have to pay a mortgage and pay rent still, because of the taxes.” Craig Alexander Hero Coffee Bar
The ratings agency also warns that another downgrade could be coming if the state doesn’t enact serious reforms to improve its fiscal condition.
Illinois lawmakers should support a statewide law that limits government business regulations to only those necessary and carefully tailored to serve a legitimate public health, safety or welfare purpose.
Gov. Bruce Rauner and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are supporting SB 3368, which would issue IDs to ex-offenders immediately upon release from prison, easing their transition to post-prison life and employment.
“I was born and raised in Illinois. We’ve been living here in Lake County for 16 years, my husband and I. But our property taxes have gone up $5,000 over the past four years. The property taxes are now more than our mortgage – we’re paying more than $15,000 a year on a home we...