Amendment 1 and Worker Classification, “Other states should become aware and alarmed by these non-progressive and regressive regulations”

Written by John Lopez

Creative artwork of AB5 from Lisa Rothstein, San Diego, CA

This article continues addressing a ballot measure that Illinois voters must vote on this election cycle.
We urge voters to reject Amendment 1, a constitutional amendment that
would elevate collective bargaining rights in the Illinois Constitution,
allowing government union contracts to override state law.

Thursday afternoon, the Daily Herald hosted a virtual debate including Shaw Media to discuss Amendment 1 and answer questions. … Continue Reading

National Review: Rauner is the Worst GOP Governor in America

Written by John Biver

Illinoisans have a lot to be proud of — we live in a beautiful state in the heart of America. Our people are hardworking, our soil is among the most productive in the world, our transportation systems are first rate, we have a world-class city and hundreds of great small towns. The list could go on and on.

But to our shame is our state government. Illinois is at or near the top on a lot of bad lists: corruption, tax burden, unfunded liabilities, and debt.… Continue Reading

Speaker Madigan Blocks State Rep. Jeanne Ives Call for Property Tax Task Force

Written by John Biver

It isn’t big news that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) prevents bills he prefers not to have a hearing or to bfted on do not receive a hearing or get a vote. That has been the case for decades. An increasing number of over-burdened taxpayers are learning that what Madigan wants, he gets.

Why he wants Illinois in such bad shape is anyone’s guess.

During a special summer session of the Illinois General Assembly, Rep.… Continue Reading

Two Questions: Could Illinois File Bankruptcy? Why Vote for Tax-Raising Politicians?

Written by John Biver

The news headlines these days should destroy forever the use of the cliché “it can’t get any worse” when the topic is Illinois politics – and that includes Republican, Democrat, fiscal, etc.

The first question in the above headline is from a very unsurprising CBS News report about just how bad things are in Illinois. A few excerpts from the article:

A financial crunch is spiraling into a serious problem for Illinois lawmakers, prompting some observers to wonder if the state might make history by becoming the first to go bankrupt.

State Lawmakers Accused of Pay Raise by Committee

Will Illinois Republican Politicians Lead or Raise Taxes?

Written by John Biver

Pat Hughes from “Upstream Ideas” recently recorded a scathing short video slamming state Senate Republican Minority Leader Christine Radogno for her participation in the crafting of a budget “compromise” which includes a tax increase on Illinois families. That video can be seen here: ‘Republican’ Minority Leader Radogno Looking Out For Herself Not You.

It should be noted that Sen. Radogno has been the senate GOP leader since 2009, and was recently reelected to that position by her fellow Republicans.… Continue Reading