Jim Evans
Jim Evans
“I’ve lived in Chicago for 38 years, and what I love about driving for UberX is I meet a cross-section of all types of people. I’m discovering new areas of the city. And putting restrictions on it is basically going to eliminate the extra income people are relying on – I’m relying on it. “Why...
Illinois’ September 2015 jobs report: Businesses lay off thousands of blue-collar workers
Illinois’ September 2015 jobs report: Businesses lay off thousands of blue-collar workers
Illinois continues to shed jobs and underperform economically compared to its Midwestern neighbors, according to new federal and state reports.
By Michael Lucci
The high cost of recidivism
The high cost of recidivism
Repeat offenses cost Illinois taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year; removing obstacles to work would help combat this problem.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth
Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth
The Illinois General Assembly is refusing to fix Illinois’ structural problems. Downgrades are the consequence.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession
Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession
A new study from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that Illinois’ tax revenues are up by 20 percent over their pre-Great Recession peak, debunking the oft-repeated mantra that Illinois is just one more tax hike away from solving its fiscal problems.
By Michael Lucci
Illinois needs term limits
Illinois needs term limits
Illinois should adopt term limits for its elected officials to diminish the unchecked power of career politicians such as House Speaker Mike Madigan.
By Jim Long
Warning signal: High-end home sales slow to a crawl in Chicago suburbs
Warning signal: High-end home sales slow to a crawl in Chicago suburbs
“Not totally dead” yet In the Chicago suburbs of Burr Ridge, Naperville and Hinsdale this summer, sales of high-end real estate hit a huge slump, which continues. For example, Crain’s Chicago Business reports the city of Burr Ridge has 100 homes on the market priced at $1 million or higher, but only 14 have sold...
Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme
Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme
Flawed property valuations and the process required to fix them are a cash cow for law firms, including those of House Speaker Mike Madigan, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.
By Austin Berg
Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV
Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV
“Pay to play” might take on a whole new meaning in Chicago.
By Austin Berg