The real “State of the State”
The real “State of the State”
Facts you won't hear during Gov. Quinn's State of the State 2013 address
State of the State BINGO!
State of the State BINGO!
Gov. Quinn’s State of the State address Noon Wednesday, Feb. 6 Watch Gov. Quinn’s State of the State address live online. How he frames the issues and which solutions he offers will be instructive. Gov. Pat Quinn is hinting that his State of the State speech will remind the public how the state?s image has been cleaned...
Politicians gamble on risky investments with TRS funds
Politicians gamble on risky investments with TRS funds
Have you ever wondered what investments politicians have made using teachers retirement savings? If you havent, you should be interested.
Despite benefit cuts, number of students pursuing education continues to grow
Despite benefit cuts, number of students pursuing education continues to grow
In 2010, the Illinois Legislature passed a pension bill that cut retirement benefits for new teachers. Both of the states major public school teachers unions said at the time that it would make it harder for Illinois schools to recruit educators.
The City of Evanston to food truck: You must apply for license our own law says you’ll never get
The City of Evanston to food truck: You must apply for license our own law says you’ll never get
A city ordinance that allows only food trucks run by licensed food establishments, such as brick-and-mortar restaurants, to operate there. Jim and Gabriel do not own a restaurant in Evanston, so they cannot qualify for a license.
Californias fake reforms yield credit upgrade
Californias fake reforms yield credit upgrade
In January, Standard and Poors upgraded Californias credit rating to A from A-, an action the rating agency said resulted from the states improved fiscal condition.
Proponents of progressive tax say rates can be decided later
Proponents of progressive tax say rates can be decided later
State Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana, recently proposed to implement another income tax hike in Illinois is gaining interest across the state. A progressive income tax increases taxes on individuals more as they make more money.
School choice boosts teachers effectiveness
School choice boosts teachers effectiveness
Charter schools are at the forefront of evaluating teacher effectiveness.
New House Rules stifle negotiations
New House Rules stifle negotiations
The Illinois House of Representatives met yesterday for the first time since being inaugurated on Jan. 9 to adopt the House Rules, HR 34. The most significant change in the rules for the 98th General Assembly is that all bills must receive the approval of the Rules Committee to be sent to substantive committees, where the legislation...
“Laugh, Think, Do” Index: How to rate Super Bowl commercials like an expert
“Laugh, Think, Do” Index: How to rate Super Bowl commercials like an expert
Become an expert at rating Super Bowl commercials. Download the "Laugh, think, do" index template here.
Hanover Township scores a 100% for website transparency
Hanover Township scores a 100% for website transparency
Yesterday, the Institute presented a certificate of achievement to the Hanover Township board of trustees in recognition of their efforts on website transparency.
Fitch warnings don’t mean kick the can down the road
Fitch warnings don’t mean kick the can down the road
Illinois’ credit rating received a warning today from Fitch Ratings. What Fitch cited as the “ongoing inability of the state to address its large and growing unfunded pension liability” means a rating downgrade is likely unless reforms are passed within six months. That warning is just another whack for a state that already has been downgraded...
Early warning system to thank for keeping 2011 tax increase from becoming permanent
Early warning system to thank for keeping 2011 tax increase from becoming permanent
During a lame duck session two years ago, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 67 percent income tax increase on all Illinois families. When the bill was filed in early 2011, almost no one knew of its existence. I was the House staffer on revenue at the time, and I only heard about it at 6...
Early warning system to thank for keeping 2011 tax increase from becoming permanent
Early warning system to thank for keeping 2011 tax increase from becoming permanent
During a lame duck session two years ago, the Illinois General Assembly passed a 67 percent income tax increase on all Illinois families. When the bill was filed in early 2011, almost no one knew of its existence.