-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
Comment: Scary to think what an epidemic of “Blue Flu” we could have eventually over some of our police department pensions, including Chicago’s.
Local charities will meet many of those needs, but over the past few years those organizations have struggled to bring in the money needed to make their programs bear fruit.
The Illinois Regional Transportation Authority Thursday will consider a $3 billion operating budget and $5.1 billion five-year capital plan that boosts spending next year but still falls far short of its needs as a new state capital program languishes amid the ongoing budget impasse.
Comment: We’ve been reporting that Illinois revenue is actually declining, but evidently it’s soft generally and some other states (mostly those dependent on the oil business) also have shrinkage. Odd, since national GDP has picked up — third quarter grew at 3.2% annual rate.
Part 3 of a three-part series examining this topic.
“Not before African-American aldermen demanded a piece of the pie.”
By: Mark Glennon* Our readership numbers continue to set new records and we’re sure grateful for your support. It’s especially nice to see the appetite for what we think are the stories truly important to Illinois’ economy and government. Special thanks to other publications that have quoted or reprinted us, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Zerohedge and others. I’ll be making Wirepoints a full time career now instead of just the hobby it has been over the last few years. To do that, I’ve been winding down my consulting practice and dropped off my
On Monday morning, aides to Kurt Summers called around to reporters trying to drum up interest in the city treasurer’s speech to the City Club of Chicago. The address was pitched as a moment in which Summers would step out of the usual political comfort zone and call Chicago’s current state as he sees it, including bold talk on violence and the city’s finances. Comment: This guy is politically ambitious, and awkwardly obvious about it.
The Tale of Two States continues: Chicago edges up slowly while the rest of the state sinks.
As we’ve been reporting.
A new utility tax, increasing what city employees pay for health insurance and a requirement that all businesses pay for a license were among ideas floated tonight to help close a projected $5 million 2017 city budget shortfall.
If this year’s corporate mergers and acquisitions activity is an indication, look for local companies and investors to pounce on new deals of all sizes and types, with some well-known hometown names involved too.
State lawmakers from both political parties are calling for an investigation of how the Illinois Lottery managed scratch-off games in response to a Tribune report showing the lottery didn’t award many of the biggest prizes in the biggest games.
Comment: No progress, no news. Don’t expect much.
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