Pensions over people
Pensions over people
The pension problem was created and has been fueled by weak politicians – men and women who decided their next elections were more important than the next generation.
Brexit and Chicago’s potential bankruptcy
Brexit and Chicago’s potential bankruptcy
Pension funds aren’t immune to the volatility of the stock market. Even before Brexit, Moody’s warned that low investment returns are already putting Chicago’s pension funds at risk. A major stock market correction or another recession just might put Chicago and CPS over the edge if their already-underfunded pension systems collapse.
Madigan’s game of chess
Madigan’s game of chess
DAILY LINKS / 2.2.2023
The Center Square: Local officials look to Illinois statehouse for pension relief Chicago Tribune: State Farm, Wells Fargo plan to lay off hundreds in Illinois WTTW: Proposed ComEd Deal Brokered by Lightfoot Blocked From Advancing at Council Meeting Pantagraph: 13 bills Illinois lawmakers have introduced in 2023Madigan is missing
Madigan is missing
Madigan holds up budget to push bailout of Chicago Public Schools
Madigan holds up budget to push bailout of Chicago Public Schools
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s insistence that Chicago Public Schools receive more than its fair share of state education funding is putting any stopgap budget deal at risk.
Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights
Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights
Illinoisans need a taxpayer bill of rights so that politicians must ask permission from voters if they want to raise taxes.
AFSCME uses prisoners as pawns in budget debate
AFSCME uses prisoners as pawns in budget debate
A representative from the state-worker union called for collective action from governments of prison towns to force Gov. Bruce Rauner’s hand in the budget debate, which could expose thousands of incarcerated Illinoisans to squalid, dangerous conditions.
More than 300 Cook County Jail employees called in sick during Game 7 of the NBA Finals
More than 300 Cook County Jail employees called in sick during Game 7 of the NBA Finals
The Cook County Jail was placed on lockdown after 317 guards called in sick during Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 19.
Chicago passes new rules on Uber and Lyft
Chicago passes new rules on Uber and Lyft
The city will require rideshare drivers to complete an online course before hitting the road, and will allow ridesharing platforms such as Uber and Lyft to continue conducting their own background checks.
Chicago’s new Airbnb ordinance greets visitors to the city with a 21 percent tax bill
Chicago’s new Airbnb ordinance greets visitors to the city with a 21 percent tax bill
The city’s new ordinance will punish visitors to the city with a 21 percent hotel tax bill.
Instead of whacking Uber, Evanston looks to lift burden on taxis
Instead of whacking Uber, Evanston looks to lift burden on taxis
The city of Evanston offers a path forward for governments to level the playing field between traditional taxis and ridesharing.
Former Illinois Policy Institute President Kristina Rasmussen has been appointed chief of staff to Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Former Illinois Policy Institute President Kristina Rasmussen has been appointed chief of staff to Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Former Illinois Policy Institute President Kristina Rasmussen has been appointed chief of staff to Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Uber and Airbnb ordinances show Chicago ushering in new era of hyperregulation
Uber and Airbnb ordinances show Chicago ushering in new era of hyperregulation
In the face of fleeing residents, the Chicago City Council has chosen to add more and more layers of regulation instead of reforming.