Prairie State Wire

Opportunity Zones May Create More Opportunities for Investors and Syndicators Than Distressed Communities

By Steven M. Rosenthal | Aug 5, 2018

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) created a new tax-advantaged Opportunity Zone program to encourage investments in economically-distressed communities that are nominated by governors and certified by the Treasury Department.

Reeder: Unfunded mandates

By Scott Reeder | Aug 5, 2018

For decades, the two dirtiest words in Illinois education were “unfunded mandates.”

This week in Illinois history: Aug. 20-26

By Robert Hadley | Aug 3, 2018

During this week in history, read about how the first Lincoln-Douglas debate occurred, as well as how an earthquake toppled chimneys a century ago, and how a fake news report of an athlete's death propelled her career to greater heights.

Wheeler appointed to House Republican Leadership Team

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 2, 2018

House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) has appointed Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) to a House GOP leadership position.

Employment discrimination bill seen as necessary by some, burdensome by others

By Angela Underwood | Aug 2, 2018

While one Democratic lawmaker fights for House Bill 4572, major employer organizations say the legislation is bad for business.

Rauner signs law providing more funding for police officers and their families

By Angela Underwood | Aug 2, 2018

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed House BIll 5513 into law, which provides additional funds for police officers and families.

Supreme Court's Janus decision could mean more money for employees

By Carrie Bradon | Aug 2, 2018

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCMF), public sector workers now have more of a choice when it comes to their involvement in unions.

Dodge sees voter frustration with lack of transparency in Springfield

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 1, 2018

Jim Dodge, the Republican candidate for state treasurer, is not the least bit surprised that such a huge percentage of the state’s property tax largesse lies in the hands of such a concentrated few.

Watchdogs - The 2019 Election: Candidate Guide for Illinois

By LGIS News Service | Aug 1, 2018

The The 2019 Illinois Election Candidate Guide from the Illinois State Board of Elections has been published.

IL Rising - How the federal tax cut will impact Illinois

By LGIS News Service | Aug 1, 2018

Heritage Foundation Policy Analyst Adam Michel joins the team to discuss tax reforms and how the federal tax cut will impact Illinois.

Dodge says merging treasurer, comptroller offices best for Illinois

By Glenn Minnis | Aug 1, 2018

Jim Dodge is willing to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to his commitment to saving Illinois taxpayers money.

From Chicago City Wire

Have you opted out of a public sector union? We want to hear about it

By Daniel Beauregard | 7 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court in June ruled that approximately 5 million government workers nationwide should not be forced to pay dues to public employee unions.

Former state school employee Flowers paid in $53K to teachers' pension fund, could collect $831K in retirement

By Local Labs News Service | Aug 1, 2018

Former state school employee Donna Flowers, who retired in July 2018, saved $53,329 toward a pension over 14 years working for public schools, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois records show.

Former state school employee Dunn paid in $88K to teachers' pension fund, could collect $7.94M in retirement

By Local Labs News Service | Aug 1, 2018

Former state school employee Randy Dunn, who retired in July 2018, saved $87,580 toward a pension over 16 years working for public schools, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois records show.