AFSCME demands more from taxpayers while Illinois’ middle class continues to suffer
AFSCME demands more from taxpayers while Illinois’ middle class continues to suffer
HB 580 would give a panel of unelected arbitrators power to approve an AFSCME contract that would cost taxpayers an additional $3 billion over the next four years.
By Michael Lucci
Curtis Hawkins
Curtis Hawkins
“I always wanted to drive a truck when I was younger. Now I’ve been in trucking for 17 years. Grew up in East Peoria. A couple years ago I finally saved up enough hauling that I started my own trucking authority. Last year we had two guys working for us. “On $98,000 of payroll we...
AFSCME promised to negotiate in ‘good faith,’ backs bill to take taxpayers out of contract talks
AFSCME promised to negotiate in ‘good faith,’ backs bill to take taxpayers out of contract talks
AFSCME promised to play nice at the negotiating table with Gov. Rauner, but it never intended to keep that promise. The union is doing everything it can to muscle the state’s taxpayers into an outside arbitration process that will practically guarantee that AFSCME’s unreasonable demands are met.
By Mailee Smith
Illinois has zero private-sector jobs growth in the 21st century
Illinois has zero private-sector jobs growth in the 21st century
Illinois is one of four states in the entire U.S. to have fewer private sector jobs today compared to the turn of the century. The Land of Lincoln needs pro-growth reforms to allow the state’s private sector to rise again.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois gets $3.5M windfall as motorists rack up fees for late vehicle registration
Illinois gets $3.5M windfall as motorists rack up fees for late vehicle registration
Illinois motorists have paid more than $6.5 million this year for failing to renew vehicle license plates on time, more than double the amount collected in the same four-month span last year.
By Amy Korte
Illinois employers announced fewer large layoffs in April
Illinois employers announced fewer large layoffs in April
April saw nearly half the large layoffs March brought, and showed few major layoffs in the manufacturing sector.
AFSCME negotiations: Union shows no signs of compromise, continues pushing for unaffordable contract
AFSCME negotiations: Union shows no signs of compromise, continues pushing for unaffordable contract
The testimony of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees before the Illinois Labor Relations Board and the union’s refusal to compromise on any contract provisions reveal that AFSCME and Gov. Bruce Rauner have reached impasse.
By Mailee Smith
5 facts show IMRF is just as unsustainable as every other Illinois pension fund
5 facts show IMRF is just as unsustainable as every other Illinois pension fund
The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s relative health compared with other government-worker pension funds is only due to its ability to force localities to fund it at the expense of other pension funds and vital local services.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Madigan continues to block term limits
Madigan continues to block term limits
Madigan has been in office since 1971 and has served as Illinois House speaker for 31 of the past 33 years.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ tax structure should be built on stability, not emotion
Illinois’ tax structure should be built on stability, not emotion
Illinois lawmakers can learn valuable lessons from states that have protected essential government services from swings in the economy.
By Austin Berg
The progressive income tax is dead – again
The progressive income tax is dead – again
According to the Illinois Department of Revenue the progressive tax would've cost Illinois 20,000 private-sector jobs, 43,000 residents to other states on net, and $1.9 billion in GDP over the first four years.
By Heather Weiner