Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Lessons from the Edgar plan: Why defined benefits can’t work

Lessons from the Edgar plan: Why defined benefits can’t work

The problem The blame for Illinois’ pension crisis is often laid at the feet of state politicians who supposedly “skipped” payments and caused the state’s five pension systems to be underfunded. This has prompted legislators to add a “funding guarantee” to the current crop of pension reforms bills in order to stop any future pension...

By Ted Dabrowski

Widespread non-compliance with TIF district reporting requirements

Widespread non-compliance with TIF district reporting requirements

Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, districts are a controversial economic development tool – and there is no concrete evidence they actually work. In fact, a study from professors at the University of Chicago and Lake Forest College showed that Illinois communities with TIF districts “grew substantially slower than non-adopters.” By law, TIFs are intended to promote economic...

By Brian Costin

My representative scored what?

My representative scored what?

Earlier this year, theAi??Illinois Policy Institute released a Vote Card, grading each of our state senators and representatives on their voting record. Today, theAi??National Taxpayers Union Types of generic synthroid Ai??released its 2011 Congressional Rating, which grades legislators at the national level. The Congressional Rating scores each senator and representative on his or her commitment...

By Mark Cavers

The great Twinkie turf war

The great Twinkie turf war

The new owners of Hostess Brands are preparing to restart the production of Twinkies, Ho Hos and all those other sugary treats. Among the plants they plan to reopen is the one in the Chicago suburb of Schiller Park.

By Paul Kersey

States with no income tax had a surplus or no deficit in 2012

States with no income tax had a surplus or no deficit in 2012

States that don’t have an income tax manage to stay out of the red, and many are even operating with budget surpluses. Texas, for example, currently foresees and $8.8 billion surplus over its current two-year budget cycle.

Puppy lemon law

Puppy lemon law

The Senate Executive Committee voted Wednesday in favor of a bill some have described as a “puppy lemon law.”

States with no income tax have something Illinois doesn’t: jobs

States with no income tax have something Illinois doesn’t: jobs

The average unemployment rate for states without an income tax is 6.6 percent. Illinois has the nation’s second-highest unemployment rate – ringing in at 9.5 percent, or nearly three full percentage points higher than states that don’t tax income.

Democracy restored in Macomb

Democracy restored in Macomb

McDonough County Judge Rodney Clark said it is "not logical to have a person receive more than 50 percent of the vote but yet, not be the winner. This is not how America decides who should be elected."

Democracy restored: Liberty Justice Center lawsuit vindicates constitutional rights of City of Macomb citizens

Democracy restored: Liberty Justice Center lawsuit vindicates constitutional rights of City of Macomb citizens

MEDIA ALERT from the LIBERTY JUSTICE CENTER Media contact: Diana Rickert 312-607-4977 Case documents available online at: libertyjusticecenter.org   Democracy restored: Liberty Justice Center lawsuit vindicates constitutional rights of City of Macomb citizens Court rules that definition of majority is “unambiguous” and orders city to declare WIU student Steven Wailand winner of Macomb 2nd Ward...

Open Letter to the Union Organizing Committee at UNO Schools

Open Letter to the Union Organizing Committee at UNO Schools

Dear Sirs and Madames, Your concerns about my communications with United Neighborhood Organization charter school teachers are duly noted. However, since you are not, as yet, certified as the collective bargaining representative of UNO charter teachers, it is presumptuous of you to speak on their behalf at this time. Therefore, I will continue to contact...

Capitol Updates: April 22 week in review

Capitol Updates: April 22 week in review

It was a quiet week in Springfield as the Illinois Senate was the only chamber in session. Here’s what took place: Virtual charter school moratorium bill assigned to substantive committee On Wednesday, the Senate Assignments Committee referred House Bill 494 to the Senate Education Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday, April...

By Jane McEnaney