Crain's Chicago Business: How AFSCME sabotaged the Illinois economy

Shortly after the Supreme Court ruled in Janus v. AFSCME that forced union fees are unconstitutional in the public sector, AFSCME leadership wrote: “Today’s decision sends our economy in the wrong direction.” This statement shows a seriously warped view of what got Illinois into its current financial mess.

Let’s talk about what has actually hurt the Illinois economy. Today, headlines across the nation are heralding record U.S. jobs growth that far outpaces what we’re seeing in Europe, for example. But while the rest of the country is enjoying an economic boost, Illinois is experiencing a much different reality—and government unions have had a hand in the decisions that have steered Illinois’ finances, and its economy, into disaster.

Associated Press: Legislation signed requiring protection for Illinois state workers

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation to better protect state workers in vulnerable positions.

The measure requires law enforcement agencies “to make all reasonable efforts to assist” Department of Children and Family Services workers when requested. It also allows officers to cross jurisdictions to provide that protection.

Rockford Register-Star: Rockford Public Library considers $25M riverfront project to complement new branch

Folks expecting to see a new $33 million library building rise from the rubble of the old Rockford Public Library Main Branch along the Rock River in a few years may think they’re seeing double if a proposal from a Davenport-based construction firm gains approval.

The firm, Bush Construction, was the sole respondent to the library’s request for mixed-use development ideas that would complement the new library, which is expected to break ground at 125 N. Wyman St. once the former main branch is demolished and Commonwealth Edison removes contaminated soil from the site.

Decatur Herald & Review: As Decatur seeks new city manager, community leaders say job may be more important than ever

Revitalizing neighborhoods, fixing roads and sewers, growing economic opportunity and competing for a shrinking pot of state and federal grant money: all of it depends on the abilities of a good city manager, community leaders say.

That’s what city council members are hoping to find as they embark on a search to replace Tim Gleason, who starts a new job as city manager in Bloomington on Monday after three years in Decatur. They’ve chosen Northbrook-based consulting firm GovHR USA to look for candidates and put out an open call to ask residents what qualities they want to see in the city’s top administrator. In the meantime, the council appointed Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus to serve in the interim role.

State Journal-Register: Chamber study: CWLP operating ‘uneconomically’

A never-before-released study commissioned by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce claims that City Water, Light and Power operates “uneconomically.”

The analysis, which was shared with city officials last August but not initially with the public, purports the Springfield-owned utility chooses to generate its own electricity even when it would be cheaper to buy energy off the transmission grid.

The Southern: SIU Carbondale faculty reviewing program changes for restructuring

Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty are making steady progress on reviewing program changes related to Chancellor Carlo Montemagno’s sweeping restructuring plan, which seeks to eliminate the university’s 42 departments and reorganize degree programs under schools.

When Montemagno first unveiled the plan, he said he wanted to implement the restructuring by July 1.

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