-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
http://www.bnd.com/2014/04/16/3164314/excerpts-of-editorials-from-illinois.html
Cosi, the sandwich change, is moving its headquarters from Deerfield to Boston. No word yet on jobs impact. “It’s easier to move the company forward and recruit in Boston than it has been here in Deerfield,” they said. via Cosi leaving Chicago area for Boston – Consumer News – Crain’s Chicago Business.
April 16, 2014 By: Mark Glennon* If Springfield lawmakers eventually answer this right, an orderly, fair, though difficult proceeding would be available to desperate Illinois cities, but getting it wrong would be catastrophic: What form of insolvency proceeding will Illinois allow for its broke cities? Some of the folks who matter aren’t just facing up to the ugly financial math but are raising that key question, which ultimately will drive dozens of issues critical to the future of many Illinois cities, perhaps including Chicago. An insolvency proceeding of some kind that modifies debts and contracts will be needed for
Schaumburg-based Motorola Solutions Inc. continues to chip away at its legendary status by selling its Enterprise unit to Lincolnshire’s Zebra Technologies for about $3.45 billion. So far, Motorola Solutions plans to keep CEO Greg Brown and its headquarters in Schaumburg. But Zebra is on track to move much of its operations into a new headquarters in Lincolnshire, and expects to need even more space with the new acquisition. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140415/business/140419051/
Comment: In ranking tax burdens, you also need to consider the tax bills the state just stuck in the drawer but hasn’t sent out yet, i.e., borrowing. http://politics.rebootillinois.com/2014/04/16/uncategorized/bbergman/borrowing-taxes-put-illinois-top-tax-burden-list-nationally/4899/
http://politics.suntimes.com/article/chicago/aldermen-searching-everywhere-property-tax-alternatives/tue-04152014-225pm
Good story. Needs pictures. http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/strip-club-pole-tax-falls-short-of-goal/article_9b7a1ee4-1641-536d-b5e8-103b56032e1a.html
Durbin says earmarks should have been reformed, not eliminated. He says legislators are in touch with the transportation needs of their districts and states. via Durbin Calls For A Return of ‘Earmarks’ | WUIS 91.9.
Just five years ago, a shopper wandering from Michigan Avenue west to Oak Street would have found empty storefronts where high-end luxury retailers used to be. Now Oak Street is back in full force, with vacancy rates hovering close to zero, and the one-block stretch has re-established itself as Chicago’s Rodeo Drive. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140412/ISSUE03/304129995?template=mobile
A bill approved last week by the Illinois Senate that would eliminate plastic microbeads found in hygiene products could become a national model for states looking to phase out the material. http://illinoisissuesblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/proposed-ban-on-plastic-microbeads.html
http://chicagoist.com/2014/04/15/emanuel_begins_selling_property_tax.php
http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2014/04/15/rauner-wants-special-deal-police-firefighter-pensions
DuPage County mayors say they’ve already waited years for Illinois to address a growing crisis by reforming municipal police and fire pension systems so cities and villages can rein in costs. Now they want to see progress, especially since state lawmakers have approved a pension overhaul for some Chicago city workers. http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140414/news/140419113/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
“Governor, you don’t have to own whatever City Hall does after you sign the pension bill. So stop owning it.” via Gov. Quinn, let Chicago solve its pension crisis – chicagotribune.com.
Illinois Policy Institute: “Do they think folks will change their minds because a mob is outside our doors? Think again.” via Progressive tax supporters target Illinois Policy Institute in Springfield protest – RebootIllinois.com.
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