Time to take action on Illinois’ manufacturing meltdown
Time to take action on Illinois’ manufacturing meltdown
More than 6,000 Illinois manufacturing jobs disappeared in 2015.
Labor board declares impasse in contract negotiations between AFSCME and the state
Labor board declares impasse in contract negotiations between AFSCME and the state
Negotiations between Illinois and AFSCME – the state’s largest government-worker union – languished for months. While AFSCME demanded contract benefits that would cost the state $3 billion in additional salary and benefit increases, Gov. Bruce Rauner offered a contract that treats state workers fairly and avoids further burdening taxpayers. On Nov. 15, the Illinois Labor Relations Board issued a decision that prevents AFSCME from obstructing progress on an agreement.
Illinois’ wealth flight explained in 4 graphics
Illinois’ wealth flight explained in 4 graphics
IRS data show the average income of taxpayers leaving Illinois surpassed the average income of taxpayers entering the state by $20,000 in 2014, a record loss for Illinois in the wake of the 2011 income-tax hike.
Legal food carts roll into Chicago, but roadblocks abound
Legal food carts roll into Chicago, but roadblocks abound
An otherwise ordinary fall day turned joyous on Sept. 24, 2015. Dozens of food-cart street vendors rallied at Chicago City Hall to show support for an ordinance that would legalize the vendors’ trade. Approximately 1,500 food carts – beloved by their communities in Chicago’s predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods – had operated in an underground economy for...
Food trucks fight for the right to exist
Food trucks fight for the right to exist
Pepe Balanzar learned to make tamales from his grandmother. Growing up in the restaurant business, she would make one batch for selling and one batch for family. The family batch had more meat, more “masa,” or dough, and more flavor. So when Balanzar opened Chicago’s first food truck, he had to choose a side: Which...
Madigan declines to attend leadership meeting with Rauner
Madigan declines to attend leadership meeting with Rauner
The Nov. 8 election saw Madigan lose his supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. Now, two Democrats are calling on the speaker to present his solution set for a state in fiscal crisis before pledging to vote for his re-election as House speaker.
AFSCME: The 800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table
AFSCME: The 800-pound gorilla at the negotiating table
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees claims to be seeking a “fair contract” on behalf of Illinois state workers. But the power and influence exerted by the state’s largest government-worker union means the bargaining table almost always tilts in AFSCME’s favor. The reality is that AFSCME is the power player in negotiations...
November election results mean Illinois’ neighbors likely to embrace worker freedom
November election results mean Illinois’ neighbors likely to embrace worker freedom
The outcome of 2016 races in nearby states may result in all states surrounding Illinois becoming Right-to-Work states – leaving Illinois a lone island in a sea of worker freedom. To remain competitive for workers and business, Illinois must consider similar reforms.
Candy Crushed
Candy Crushed
Illinois’ $204B debt crowding out payment for social services
Illinois’ $204B debt crowding out payment for social services
Illinois will spend $1 billion more on annual debt payments than it will on human services in fiscal year 2017.
DuPage residents vote to consolidate local units of government
DuPage residents vote to consolidate local units of government
Voters in Naperville and surrounding townships voted in favor of government consolidation in nonbinding ballot questions.
Moody’s calls Safe Roads Amendment a “credit negative” for Illinois’ finances
Moody’s calls Safe Roads Amendment a “credit negative” for Illinois’ finances
Now that politicians don’t have the flexibility to access transportation funding during emergencies, they’ll use the lack of funds as an excuse to pass higher taxes on Illinoisans.
Metra votes to hike fares on commuters again in 2017 budget
Metra votes to hike fares on commuters again in 2017 budget
The commuter train service’s board approved rate hikes for the third time in as many years, making it costlier to get to and from Chicago.
Cook County Board approves soda tax
Cook County Board approves soda tax
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of new tax on sugary and artificially sweetened beverages.