http://www.illinoisnewsnetwork.com/2015/03/03/the-need-to-reverse-outrageous-public-pensions/

http://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/FinCondILStateRetirementSysFY13Mar2014.pdf The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability compiles this annual report. Keep in mind the data are now almost two years old, and the pensions have deteriorated substantially over that time.

Two-thirds of the states, including Illinois, have opted against setting up their own exchanges, and as a result, more Americans have been buying insurance through the federal insurance marketplace. Now, opponents of the law will make their case to the high court that Americans who are not using the state exchanges are ineligible for subsidies. http://www.sj-r.com/article/20150302/NEWS/150309932/11143/NEWS?rssfeed=true

Employees need to understand that promotions should be based on competence, not clout, because the appearance of family influence can lead to “erosion of public confidence. http://www.bettergov.org/blogs/shaw_thoughts/nepotism_unethical_in_glendale_heights_and_other_public_offices/

Illinois Department of Revenue spokesman Terry Horstman said the refunds are coming, but slowly. He said the agency’s fight against identity theft is slowing the release of checks. http://qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/illinois-tax-refunds-coming-slowly/article_76ae2b08-4214-582a-9889-380ade342091.html

A new report underlines how widespread Medicaid and other health-related state spending has become in every corner of Illinois, even the most prosperous. http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20150303/BLOGS02/150309932/more-than-half-of-illinois-kids-get-medicaid-or-other-state-health

A recent audit of the Illinois Department of Health Care and Family Services showed repeated problems from the previous administration, including recording mistakes allowing dead people and duplicate enrollees to receive payments for medical assistance. http://wuis.org/post/new-administration-promises-change-after-repeated-errors-found-audit