A model of success: Chicago’s charter schools hold the top nine spots for 2012 ACT scores
A model of success: Chicago’s charter schools hold the top nine spots for 2012 ACT scores
The problem Too many of Chicago’s children don’t reach their full potential because traditional public schools are failing them. Our solution Chicago’s charter schools are proving, once again, that low-income children can succeed if given a chance. Why this works In 2012, charter schools held the top nine spots for open-enrollment, non-selective public high schools...
By Ted Dabrowski
September jobs report — no cause for cheer
September jobs report — no cause for cheer
US labor report Many analysts are challenging the 0.3 percentage point drop in the nation’s September unemployment rate released this morning by US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS announced the unemployment rate dropped to 7.8 percent from 8.1 percent in August. The unemployment rate, which is now below 8 percent for the first time...
By Ted Dabrowski
September jobs report
September jobs report
Today there are 5 million fewer people participating in the labor force than when President Obama took office in January 2009. That
Constitutional Amendment 49: The “do nothing” amendment
Constitutional Amendment 49: The “do nothing” amendment
by Diane Cohen, General Counsel, Liberty Justice Center When Illinoisans go to the polls on November 6, they will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to the Illinois Constitution that would require a 3/5 supermajority vote by the General Assembly on any bill increasing pension or retirement system benefits for government employees and officials. The...
By Chris Andriesen
Labor unrest: how much do striking teachers make?
Labor unrest: how much do striking teachers make?
Since 2010, the Illinois Policy Institute has been working hard to ensure local government transparency and accountability to taxpayers. With our Local Transparency Project, we’ve been pushing school districts to post employee compensation online. Employee compensation transparency is especially important when it comes time to negotiate collective bargaining agreements. Without transparency, it’s hard for citizens to...
By Brian Costin
Head of TRS says the state may need to reduce COLAs
Head of TRS says the state may need to reduce COLAs
After years of denying that the pension funds are in trouble, the head of the state's largest pension fund is finally acknowledging the crisis.
By Jonathan Ingram
John Tillman joined Lou Dobbs Tonight to discuss No Pension Bailout
John Tillman joined Lou Dobbs Tonight to discuss No Pension Bailout
States Face More Than $2.5T in Unfunded Pension Liabilities Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman on the impact of unfunded pension liabilities on state budgets across the countries.
Media Roundup: No Pension Bailout
Media Roundup: No Pension Bailout
See what they're saying about the No Pension Bailout project.
Will swing states pressure the presidential candidates for a pension bailout?
Will swing states pressure the presidential candidates for a pension bailout?
Will a few important swing states like Ohio and Colorado put pressure on the candidates to bail them out of their pension debt?
Presidential debate facts: Illinois edition
Presidential debate facts: Illinois edition
How has Illinois performed under President Obama?
Gov. Quinn named “Porker of the Month”
Gov. Quinn named “Porker of the Month”
Last week, Citizens Against Government Waste, or CAGW, named Gov. Pat Quinn their September “Porker of the Month.” This monthly “award” is given to politicians and public officials who have “shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers.” As we’ve previously reported, Gov. Quinn’s fiscal year 2012 budget floated the idea of having the federal government guarantee the...
By Jonathan Ingram
Another day, another CPS downgrade
Another day, another CPS downgrade
Last week, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the credit rating of Chicago Public Schools. Today, it’s Fitch Ratings that’s downgrading CPS. The school district’s credit rating now sits at A with a negative outlook, the same rating given to Illinois, which has the lowest rating of all 50 states. According to Fitch, the downgrade was caused by the district’s deteriorating...
By Ted Dabrowski
Unemployment increases, but underemployment is even higher
Unemployment increases, but underemployment is even higher
The nation’s unemployment rate increased to 7.9 percent in October from 7.8 percent in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If that number is a reflection of the country’s anemic recovery, consider the implications of Illinois’ 8.8 percent unemployment rate in September. There are more than 580,000 Illinoisans formally out of work. And these...
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner