By: Mark Glennon*   Illinois Senate Democrats posted their “Top 10 New Illinois Laws for 2017.” If it weren’t labeled as being for Illinois, you’d seriously have to wonder if it was from some thriving, growing state. Where is there anything significant to help beaten-down employers, grow the tax base, end the state and local fiscal crises, stem the flight of people and companies or address the 800-pound gorilla — pensions? Zip. Nothing.   It’s not that these things are bad. Most passed with bipartisan support and all, obviously, were signed by Republican Governor Rauner. The problem is what’s

By: Dalton*   The Seinfeld-inspired Festivus holiday has launched a bold new tradition of airing one’s grievances at the end of the year. And a Festivus-style airing of grievances is a tailor-made tool to take on the state of Chicago policies and politics.   In the immortal words of Frank Costanza:   “The tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances! I gotta lot of problems with you people. Now, you’re going to hear about it!”   The list below captures certain issues that get to the essence of why Chicago’s politics and finances are so screwed up.