Day: January 15, 2019

Pritzker’s pension silence speaks volumes – Crain’s

January 15, 2019 No Comments

He went on for 2,600-plus words without mentioning the most urgent and potentially destructive crisis facing Illinois. The new governor had nothing to say about $130 billion in unfunded pension obligations to state employees, a yawning black hole of debt that threatens to swallow the state budget and suffocate Illinois’ economy.

Read More »

‘Where will the money come from? Rich people,’ Chicago Teachers Union says as it seeks increased pay, staffing in contract – Chicago Tribune

January 15, 2019 3 Comments

“We have a governor who has committed to legalizing recreational marijuana and putting a tax on it, we can take that as well,” Davis Gates said. “They are also talking about sports betting. We can take that. They’re talking about opening a new casino here in the city of Chicago. We can take that.” And they earlier said they want subsidies for teacher housing.

Read More »

The progressive tax rates Pritzker didn’t address

January 15, 2019 14 Comments

Newly-minted Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker boxed himself into a corner when he delivered his inaugural address on Monday. He promised to balance the budget, spend billions more on programs and spare Illinois’ middle class from an income tax hike – all while keeping the state’s core spending drivers intact. What he promised simply isn’t possible.

Read More »