Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Since 1994, members of The People’s Map — which sued to keep a legislative map reform amendment off Illinois’ November ballot — and their employers have given over $6.6 million to Friends of Michael J. Madigan, the Democratic Majority and the Democratic Party of Illinois, which House Speaker Mike Madigan chairs.
By Eric Kohn
Illinois 1 of 7 states where home values are still below pre-recession levels
Illinois 1 of 7 states where home values are still below pre-recession levels
The state’s high-tax burden is not only hurting struggling taxpayers’ pockets, but is also depreciating home values across Illinois.
Illinois’ Medicaid expansion enrollment continues to climb, putting vulnerable at risk
Illinois’ Medicaid expansion enrollment continues to climb, putting vulnerable at risk
The surging numbers of able-bodied adults in ObamaCare’s Medicaid expansion threatens funding for Illinois’ neediest residents and discourages work among those enrolled.
4 manufacturers announce plans to shut down or move out of Illinois
4 manufacturers announce plans to shut down or move out of Illinois
Continued jobs losses in manufacturing underscore the need to reform the state’s onerous tax and regulatory policies.
By Michael Lucci
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Illinoisans don’t vote to make Madigan the speaker of the House. That job belongs to their representatives.
By Austin Berg
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
The flexibility to use these large, transportation-related revenue sources for other emergencies is crucial.
By Austin Berg
Vonco Products LLC to move to Wisconsin from Illinois
Vonco Products LLC to move to Wisconsin from Illinois
Vonco is the second major packaging manufacturer to leave Illinois in less than two weeks.
By Brendan Bakala
Springfield pensions hurt city credit rating, residents
Springfield pensions hurt city credit rating, residents
The ratings agency cited the city’s “considerable growth” in pension debt in its Oct. 28 downgrade to A3 from A1.
By Ted Dabrowski
Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot
Palatine school board approves $130 million building referendum for November ballot
Palatine-area Community Consolidated School District 15 is once again a hotbed of debate, as the school board that recently tied taxpayers to a 10-year union contract has now approved a $130 million building referendum to be placed on the November ballot. Before voting, residents need to take into consideration the school board’s history of closed-door decision-making, as well as the substantial economic impact the referendum could have on local taxpayers.
By Mailee Smith
Tobacco maker plans to leave Illinois
Tobacco maker plans to leave Illinois
Altria announces plant closures in Illinois and Pennsylvania.
By Brendan Bakala
Google Fiber pauses Chicago operations
Google Fiber pauses Chicago operations
Tech giant suspends plans to bring fiber optics to Windy City in favor of a wireless approach.
By Brendan Bakala
AFSCME leaders rejected offer of bereavement leave, performance bonuses
AFSCME leaders rejected offer of bereavement leave, performance bonuses
AFSCME and Gov. Bruce Rauner are deadlocked in negotiations for a new contract for Illinois state workers. AFSCME claims to advocate for its members — but union leadership has turned its back on contract provisions that would benefit state employees and their families.
By Mailee Smith
Transportation “lockbox” amendment is a bad idea
Transportation “lockbox” amendment is a bad idea
The Illinois Constitution shouldn't be trivialized by a convoluted mess of budget restrictions.
By Ted Dabrowski
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
A new ethics ruling prohibits aldermen from getting World Series tickets at face value — a perk not afforded to most of the public.