Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Hundreds on Medicaid waiting list in Illinois die while waiting for care

Hundreds on Medicaid waiting list in Illinois die while waiting for care

Illinois has a Medicaid crisis. With an Obamacare Medicaid expansion program that continues to spiral out of control, newly obtained data confirm fears that the expansion program would prioritize able-bodied adults over the state’s truly vulnerable residents.

Workers’ compensation for state, county and municipal workers costs Illinois taxpayers $400 million per year

Workers’ compensation for state, county and municipal workers costs Illinois taxpayers $400 million per year

Workers’ compensation is a significant cost to Illinois taxpayers and drains scarce tax dollars from government coffers. Political and business leaders often view workers’ compensation as a costly regulation that affects private-sector investment and employment in Illinois.[1] This description is accurate yet incomplete. The same heavy costs imposed on private-sector employers[2] are also imposed on...

By Michael Lucci

3 reasons AFSCME has so much power over Illinois taxpayers

3 reasons AFSCME has so much power over Illinois taxpayers

Over the years, AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – has amassed incredible benefits for state workers through contract negotiations with the state. When AFSCME comes to the bargaining table, it isn’t AFSCME versus the governor – it’s AFSCME versus the state taxpayer. And AFSCME holds extraordinarily more power in the process than the state taxpayers footing the bill.

By Mailee Smith

New overtime rules in AFSCME contract could save $111 million if implemented

New overtime rules in AFSCME contract could save $111 million if implemented

With AFSCME and the state at impasse for a new contract, the governor can implement his last offer to the union. That offer includes overtime pay after employees work the market norm of 40 hours in a week – as opposed to the 37.5 hour workweeks AFSCME demanded. Adjustments to overtime pay will save the state $111 million over the term of the contract.

By Mailee Smith