Judge greenlights class-action status for lawsuit over Chicago red-light- and speed-camera tickets
Judge greenlights class-action status for lawsuit over Chicago red-light- and speed-camera tickets
The ruling could affect 1.5 million motorists.
IRS migration data show wealth and youth are fleeing Illinois
IRS migration data show wealth and youth are fleeing Illinois
Illinois’ 2011 income-tax hike caused out-migration that cost the state high-earning taxpayers. New IRS data show taxpayers who left had an average income of $77,000 per year, compared with taxpayers who entered Illinois, who had an average income of $57,000 per year.
Labor reform needed: In Illinois, worker freedom lags behind neighboring states
Labor reform needed: In Illinois, worker freedom lags behind neighboring states
In a recent study, Illinois received a grade of D for the negative impact its collective bargaining laws have on taxpayers and government workers alike.
Alderman proposes charging admission to Taste of Chicago, Blues, and Jazz festivals
Alderman proposes charging admission to Taste of Chicago, Blues, and Jazz festivals
Chicago alderman suggests admission charge to sponsored festivals as way to raise revenue.
Half of city aldermen don’t show up for Chicago budget hearings
Half of city aldermen don’t show up for Chicago budget hearings
Each year, the City Council holds hearings for every city department to justify their annual appropriation. These hearings are sparsely attended and rarely touch on spending. This year, more than half of Chicago aldermen skipped budget hearings.
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Since 1994, members of The People’s Map — which sued to keep a legislative map reform amendment off Illinois’ November ballot — and their employers have given over $6.6 million to Friends of Michael J. Madigan, the Democratic Majority and the Democratic Party of Illinois, which House Speaker Mike Madigan chairs.
Illinois 1 of 7 states where home values are still below pre-recession levels
Illinois 1 of 7 states where home values are still below pre-recession levels
The state’s high-tax burden is not only hurting struggling taxpayers’ pockets, but is also depreciating home values across Illinois.
Illinois’ Medicaid expansion enrollment continues to climb, putting vulnerable at risk
Illinois’ Medicaid expansion enrollment continues to climb, putting vulnerable at risk
The surging numbers of able-bodied adults in ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion threatens funding for Illinois’ neediest residents and discourages work among those enrolled.
4 manufacturers announce plans to shut down or move out of Illinois
4 manufacturers announce plans to shut down or move out of Illinois
Continued jobs losses in manufacturing underscore the need to reform the state’s onerous tax and regulatory policies.
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Illinoisans don’t vote to make Madigan the speaker of the House. That job belongs to their representatives.
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
The flexibility to use these large, transportation-related revenue sources for other emergencies is crucial.
Vonco Products LLC to move to Wisconsin from Illinois
Vonco Products LLC to move to Wisconsin from Illinois
Vonco is the second major packaging manufacturer to leave Illinois in less than two weeks.
Springfield pensions hurt city credit rating, residents
Springfield pensions hurt city credit rating, residents
The ratings agency cited the city’s “considerable growth” in pension debt in its Oct. 28 downgrade to A3 from A1.
Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot
Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot
Palatine-area Community Consolidated School District 15 is once again a hotbed of debate, as the school board that recently tied taxpayers to a 10-year union contract has now approved a $130 million building referendum to be placed on the November ballot. Before voting, residents need to take into consideration the school board’s history of closed-door decision-making, as well as the substantial economic impact the referendum could have on local taxpayers.