Instead of tax hikes, reform higher education to prioritize students over administrators
Instead of tax hikes, reform higher education to prioritize students over administrators
Illinois spends more money on retirement costs than on university operations – and tuition keeps rising to prop up this overspending. Instead of hiking taxes to maintain current spending habits in higher education, politicians should shift priorities from propping up six-figure administrators to keeping tuition affordable for students.
Consolidating school districts could save Illinois taxpayers billions
Consolidating school districts could save Illinois taxpayers billions
Consolidating Illinois’ 859 school districts will lead to greater efficiency and help stem rising property taxes.
By Brendan Bakala
Property tax rebate program for Chicago homeowners turns into Rahm’s slush fund
Property tax rebate program for Chicago homeowners turns into Rahm’s slush fund
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is spending money promised for rebates on police body cameras, a legal defense fund for undocumented immigrants and other programs.
By Brendan Bakala
Instead of a tax hike, consolidate Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government
Instead of a tax hike, consolidate Illinois’ 7,000 units of local government
As lawmakers consider massive tax hikes on Illinoisans, they should look to consolidate nearly 7,000 units of local government and to cut their high administrative costs.
By Brendan Bakala
Illinois Senate budget proposal weak on consolidation
Illinois Senate budget proposal weak on consolidation
Instead of giving Illinois residents the power to initiate referendums on local government consolidation, Senate Bill 3 vests this power in government officials, who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 State of the State Address
Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2017 State of the State Address
Delivered on Jan. 25, 2017.
By illinoispolicy
Illinois doesn’t need a tax hike, it needs a taxpayer bill of rights
Illinois doesn’t need a tax hike, it needs a taxpayer bill of rights
Instead of proposing more tax hikes, the Illinois Senate should provide some much needed relief to residents and pass a taxpayer bill of rights.
10 reasons Illinois needs a new approach
10 reasons Illinois needs a new approach
The status quo isn’t working for Illinois; the state needs serious reforms to get its spending under control, pay down its debt, and rein in the taxes that are driving its people across state lines.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Senators pitch tax on ‘privilege’ of doing business in Illinois, among other tax hike proposals
Senators pitch tax on ‘privilege’ of doing business in Illinois, among other tax hike proposals
In addition to raising the state’s personal and corporate income taxes back near their all-time highs, senators are proposing taxing businesses on the “privilege” of doing business in Illinois, as well as taxing several services.
2017 STATE OF THE STATE BINGO!
2017 STATE OF THE STATE BINGO!
Play BINGO! with us during Gov. Rauner's State of the State address at noon on Jan. 25! Win free stuff!
By illinoispolicy
House passes legislative rules handing Madigan iron grip
House passes legislative rules handing Madigan iron grip
No other state in the country grants as much power to its House speaker as Illinois does to Mike Madigan.
By Austin Berg
AFSCME’s list of demands
AFSCME’s list of demands
The union representing state workers is threatening to strike – demanding extravagant pay and benefits and refusing 40-hour work weeks before overtime kicks in. Illinoisans should be outraged.
By Mailee Smith
How Illinois can turn its Medicaid program into a true safety net
How Illinois can turn its Medicaid program into a true safety net
Illinois should roll back the state’s Obamacare Medicaid expansion and institute work requirements to save Medicaid for truly needy Illinoisans.
It’s time to reform Madigan’s rules
It’s time to reform Madigan’s rules
The Illinois House should change its legislative rules to diminish the control they give the House speaker over the legislative process, which far exceeds the power that other states grant their legislative leaders.
By Joe Tabor