Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters
Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.
Vallas: Chicago has too few police, pays too much in police overtime
Vallas: Chicago has too few police, pays too much in police overtime
Chicago's violent crime is up. A record $300 million was spent on police overtime last year. It's simple: too few cops leads to too much crime and requires a very wasteful, inefficient fix. Chicago needs more officers on patrol.
Illinois’ 15 metro areas all see unemployment higher than U.S. rate
Illinois’ 15 metro areas all see unemployment higher than U.S. rate
Despite some growth, high unemployment remains an issue in Illinois. All 15 metropolitan areas showed higher rates of unemployment than the national average.
The Policy Shop: Illinois’ people problem is a money problem
The Policy Shop: Illinois’ people problem is a money problem
This edition of The Policy Shop is by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research. When you treat people like piggy banks, some of them will get fed up and move. It is most likely the folks with the most money will be the ones to go. Illinois politicians seem to be ignoring those...
$35B in federal aid, higher tax revenues mask Pritzker budgetary blunders
$35B in federal aid, higher tax revenues mask Pritzker budgetary blunders
While Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been in office during upgrades in the state’s credit rating and reductions in some state debts, analysis shows improvements were more luck than fiscal design.
New John Deere layoffs follow Illinois losing 1,124 jobs in May
New John Deere layoffs follow Illinois losing 1,124 jobs in May
Declining demand has John Deere planning 600 layoffs, including 280 in Illinois, by the end of August. Illinois already had companies planning to cut 1,124 jobs in May, hitting janitorial services providers, collection agencies and packaging industries.
Illinois video gaming brings in $428M in 2024, so far
Illinois video gaming brings in $428M in 2024, so far
Video gaming already generated $428 million in tax revenue so far in 2024. Part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new Illinois state budget relies on more revenue from video gaming machines. The tax hike started July 1.
Illinois 1 of 3 states banning fireworks freedom
Illinois 1 of 3 states banning fireworks freedom
State lawmakers are no closer to trusting Illinoisans with fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Forty-seven other states give their residents that freedom.
Forced agenda: Chicago Teachers Union contract aims to dictate radical, costly worldview to Chicagoans
Forced agenda: Chicago Teachers Union contract aims to dictate radical, costly worldview to Chicagoans
The Chicago Teachers Union is putting political goals in its contract demands, something not found in other large cities. It is trying to impose policy on the public without elected representatives debating whether the policies will hurt students and taxpayers.
Wolves in Chicago City Council
Wolves in Chicago City Council
Here are 10 Illinois laws, taxes starting July 1
Here are 10 Illinois laws, taxes starting July 1
A list of new laws took effect in Illinois on July 1, impacting taxes, licenses and labor relations. Here’s what you need to know.
IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022
IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022
New data shows $9.9 billion flowed from Illinois to other states because people moved out in 2022. Most of those leaving earned $100,000 or more.
Understanding the Chicago Teachers Union’s unprecedented contract demands
Understanding the Chicago Teachers Union’s unprecedented contract demands
The Chicago Teachers Union's lengthy list of demands includes base raises and experience compensation each year, housing help, climate justice, more compensation added to pension calculations and a pool of health care funds targeted to racial disparities. An analysis puts the price tag at least $10 billion.
Over 2,700 vacant properties owned by Chicago not for sale because of ‘environmental review’ regulations
Over 2,700 vacant properties owned by Chicago not for sale because of ‘environmental review’ regulations
Thousands of vacant properties sit undeveloped in Chicago thanks to environmental review.