Illinois employers announce 600 layoffs in June
Illinois employers announce 600 layoffs in June
Illinois’ June WARN report shows 600 mass layoffs for the state in June, with 44 jobs lost in manufacturing, an improvement over May’s 1,300 layoffs and 500 manufacturing job losses.
Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check
Illinois’ AFSCME contract needs a reality check
AFSCME is demanding pay hikes, better health care coverage and pension benefits over a new, four-year contract, which would cost state taxpayers $3 billion more than what the state is offering.
By Austin Berg
Madigan’s plan: Reduce wages and standard of living for Illinois’ middle class
Madigan’s plan: Reduce wages and standard of living for Illinois’ middle class
Madigan’s stated concern for the middle class rings hollow given that his own plan to boost the state’s fiscal health consists solely of income-tax increases, which would directly reduce the wages and standard of living for Illinoisans.
By Michael Lucci
Regulatory excess can transform entrepreneurs into unwitting criminals
Regulatory excess can transform entrepreneurs into unwitting criminals
Illinois entrepreneurs face myriad regulations that impede starting or running a business. Compliance with those regulations is costly; more importantly, it is almost impossible for entrepreneurs to know every regulation that affects their businesses. The uncertainty of not knowing the law creates a regulatory minefield and takes away opportunity for Illinoisans.
By Mark Adams
Corruption Watch
Corruption Watch
Headlines in June show why Chicago is considered one of the most corrupt cities in the world.
AFSCME stays silent regarding generous benefits, continues to demand $3B in pay raises, lavish perks
AFSCME stays silent regarding generous benefits, continues to demand $3B in pay raises, lavish perks
More than a year without a contract, the state’s largest government-worker union is requesting unreasonable and unaffordable perks, even though the governor has already offered several extravagant benefits.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession
Illinois one of few states still recovering from the Great Recession
Most states have far outstripped Illinois on the number of jobs recovered. And even worse, Illinois has also lagged in the quality of jobs recovered. Illinois was the 37th state to recover and match its pre-recession jobs count. But there are still 110,000 fewer Illinoisans working today than before the recession began.
By Michael Lucci
Prohibition, prostitution and Chicago’s mini-fiefdoms
Prohibition, prostitution and Chicago’s mini-fiefdoms
A principle once invoked to shake down speakeasies is now used to pick winners and losers in a city desperate for opportunity.
By Austin Berg
Post-mortem: What’s in Illinois’ stopgap budget?
Post-mortem: What’s in Illinois’ stopgap budget?
The stopgap budget passed by the General Assembly provides six months worth of funding for government services such as road construction, as well as a full K-12 education budget for the 2016-2017 school year, property-tax-raising authority for Chicago, and more state funding of pensions for Chicago Public Schools teachers.
By Heather Weiner
It’s time to end Illinois’ fireworks ban
It’s time to end Illinois’ fireworks ban
The Land of Lincoln is one of only seven states to impose harsh restrictions on the sale and possession of fireworks.
By Austin Berg
Gov. Bruce Rauner signs stopgap budget
Gov. Bruce Rauner signs stopgap budget
The stopgap budget compromise reached between the General Assembly and Gov. Bruce Rauner will fund government operations for the next six months and ensure that schools open on time in the fall.
By Hilary Gowins
Illinoisans revolt against nation’s highest property taxes
Illinoisans revolt against nation’s highest property taxes
Illinoisans face the highest median property-tax rate in the nation.
By Austin Berg