Illinois Corruption Watch: October 2015
Illinois Corruption Watch: October 2015
October saw a former Chicago Public Schools CEO plead guilty to wire fraud and several other instances of criminal charges and civil lawsuits against public officials, as well as crony deals between businesses and government.
Illinois taxes are not low when entire picture is seen
Illinois taxes are not low when entire picture is seen
In her recent opinion piece, Innovation Illinois’ Elizabeth Austin misrepresented the facts in order to claim Illinoisans don’t pay high taxes: “My View: Illinois OK when right tax info is compared.” As the state budget battle wages on, it’s important for taxpayers to be armed with accurate information. Austin claimed that so far in the...
By Michael Lucci
Coming up short: What if Illinois’ pension funds miss their investment targets?
Coming up short: What if Illinois’ pension funds miss their investment targets?
Without real reforms, low investment yearly returns of 4 to 6 percent over the next 28 years could cost Illinois taxpayers anywhere from $100 billion to $200 billion above what they’re already expected to pay in contributions.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Michigan curtails civil asset forfeiture
Michigan curtails civil asset forfeiture
Under civil asset forfeiture laws in Illinois and across the country, law enforcement can seize property without proving it was involved in a crime. Illinois should follow Michigan’s lead and reform these unjust laws.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Where things stand: No Illinois budget likely until 2016
Where things stand: No Illinois budget likely until 2016
State politicians will decide the fate of Chicago’s demand for more money, but a budget vote isn’t likely before January 2016.
By Heather Weiner
Front lines of a broken state
Front lines of a broken state
What happens to a family that can’t afford to leave Illinois?
By Austin Berg
Illinois politician proposes heavy regulations for fantasy sports
Illinois politician proposes heavy regulations for fantasy sports
HB 4323 would impose onerous rules and restrictions on fantasy-sports operations.
By Jeffrey Schwab
Illinois still has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the region – by far
Illinois still has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the region – by far
A new study reveals that Illinois has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the Midwest and the seventh highest in the United States.
By Michael Lucci
Front lines of a broken state
Front lines of a broken state
What happens to a family that can’t afford to leave Illinois?