After a months-long impasse, Illinois lawmakers approved landmark changes to the way schools are funded statewide. Here’s what you need to know.
Analysis
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
12 Things To Know About Automatic Voter Registration In Illinois
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) is the process of automatically registering eligible people to vote whenever they interact with a participating state government agency, such as the Secretary of State’s office. Here’s what you need to know.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Mayor Daley’s Labor Legacy Presents Mayor Emanuel With ‘Generational Moment’
91% of the City of Chicago workforce needs a new labor contract. What’s your move, Mr. Mayor?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: New Laws Are Baby Steps Toward Streamlining Too Many Governments
Illinois has 1,800 more government units than even Texas. But a few new laws and a growing movement behind streamlining is good news for beleaguered taxpayers.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Fixing Bloated Bureaucracy: What You Need To Know About New Consolidation Law
Senate Bill 3 is now law (Public Act 100-0107); a law that attempts to empower citizens to consolidate some of their governments. SB3, introduced by state Sen. Tom Cullerton and state Rep. Sam Yingling, originally was part of the Senate’s “grand bargain” package. The bill was supported by both Republicans and Democrats across the state.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Shaw: Navy Pier Shell Game Cries Out For TIF Reform
The Navy Pier TIF shell game reported by BGA/Crain’s is just the latest transgression in a city TIF program that’s been steeped in secrecy and mired in controversy since its inception three decades ago. It’s time for Chicago to get its TIF act together.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: End The School Funding Divide-And-Conquer
For at least 25 years, we’ve been playing divide-and-conquer games over Illinois school funding, with our children as the dispensable collateral damage.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Learning From Those Leaving Springfield
Several longtime lawmakers are leaving Springfield. Can we learn from these departures? Can we turn exits into insight?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Wanted: Straight Talk About Chicago Police Training
The Emanuel administration released plans this month for a state-of-the-art facility for fire and police training. Chicago residents need straight answers about the scope and funding of this project.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Illinois Budget Post-Mortem: What Remains, What Made It, What Didn’t
While the income tax increase has dominated the news, there’s more in the budget that got done — and didn’t — that you need to know about.