IDOT announces it may halt construction if no budget is passed
IDOT announces it may halt construction if no budget is passed
Roadwork will cease at the end of June unless lawmakers appropriate funds for IDOT.
Progressive income taxes in Illinois’ neighboring states target middle-class workers
Progressive income taxes in Illinois’ neighboring states target middle-class workers
Progressive tax proposals by Illinois Democrats would punish those in Illinois’ middle class who earn $50,000 or more and make the state even less competitive with its neighbors.
Amazon may employ 8,000 people in Illinois by end of 2018
Amazon may employ 8,000 people in Illinois by end of 2018
The Romeoville fulfillment center is one of several Illinois facilities Amazon has opened or plans to open in the coming years. For some of those locations, Amazon has signed deals with the state of Illinois worth tens of millions in potential tax credits.
Northern Illinois University president to receive $600K severance package amid patronage scandal
Northern Illinois University president to receive $600K severance package amid patronage scandal
Administrative costs at Illinois universities have spun out of control. The latest example comes as the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees voted to approve a $600,000 golden parachute for President Doug Baker.
Michigan introduces 401(k)-style plan for teachers
Michigan introduces 401(k)-style plan for teachers
With the successful passage of 401(k)-style pension reform in Michigan’s state legislature, Illinois lawmakers should examine their own growing pension crisis and pursue bolder reforms to stabilize the state’s finances.
What’s a junk bond and why Illinois will be America’s first “junk” state
What’s a junk bond and why Illinois will be America’s first “junk” state
Illinois’ bonds are currently priced like they are junk-rated.
Powerball, Mega Millions to drop Illinois by June 30 due to budget crisis
Powerball, Mega Millions to drop Illinois by June 30 due to budget crisis
Popular lotteries may stop gambling on Illinois.
Illinois’ neighboring states boast better credit ratings, economies
Illinois’ neighboring states boast better credit ratings, economies
Illinois’ credit rating spirals downward while residents flee to surrounding states with stronger economies and lower taxes.
Illinois lawmakers pass legislation to create state-based workers’ compensation insurance company
Illinois lawmakers pass legislation to create state-based workers’ compensation insurance company
House Bill 2622 would create a state-run workers’ compensation insurance company using a $10M loan from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Operations Fund.
7 reasons the Illinois Republicans’ budget plan fails taxpayers
7 reasons the Illinois Republicans’ budget plan fails taxpayers
The budget plan proposed by Republican General Assembly members would raise taxes by over $5 billion without enacting any significant spending reforms.
Workforce dropout causes Illinois unemployment to fall slightly
Workforce dropout causes Illinois unemployment to fall slightly
A new report from the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows Illinois had a modest net gain of 2,400 jobs in May, but still has fewer jobs today than before the Great Recession began.
Property taxes in northwest Chicago suburbs to spike by $560 on average
Property taxes in northwest Chicago suburbs to spike by $560 on average
Lawmakers need to enact comprehensive property tax reform to provide relief for overburdened state taxpayers.
House Republicans’ 4-year property tax freeze fails homeowners
House Republicans’ 4-year property tax freeze fails homeowners
Local spending drivers need to be reformed to truly relieve taxpayers of Illinois’ highest-in-the-nation property taxes.
House Republicans’ pension plan not the solution Illinois needs
House Republicans’ pension plan not the solution Illinois needs
Illinois needs to begin an end to its pension crisis by expanding access to a standalone 401(k)-style plan to all government workers; the new proposal by the House GOP does not accomplish this.