“Like Connecticut, Illinois also has an effective property tax rate of 2.11%. And like New Jersey, Illinois’s funded ratio of public pensions is less than 40%, with just 39% of the value of assets in its pension funded covering the value of its promised lifetime income benefits. Though home prices are cheaper on average compared to other states, its year-over-year home value appreciation is among the lowest rates in the 50 states analyzed in the state.”

The state is encouraging retailers to set aside formula for low-income Illinois families who are enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). “We have a special obligation to WIC families. About one-half of babies born in Illinois participate in WIC in the first year of their lives” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou.

“He’s had three years to get them back and he’s doubled the budget of DCFS so the question is where are the beds,” state Rep. Steven Reick said during a virtual news conference alongside other Republicans. “He’s deflecting, again. He’s deflecting the kind of responsibility that is his.”

Wirepoints president Ted Dabrowski said Gov. J.B. Pritzker promised to address property taxes when he was elected, but it hasn’t happened. “The state’s punishing tax numbers and Illinois’ outlier position nationally make an overwhelming case for reforming the cost drivers of Illinois’ property tax crisis, from pensions to public sector collective bargaining laws to education spending.”

Under the legislation, the Illinois State Board of Education is prohibited from requiring a school district to administer a standardized assessment for students through second grade, unless for diagnostic purposes. The proposal came in response to consideration from ISBE to begin testing younger grades in math and reading.

Illinois’ business climate already ranks 36th in the U.S., but that is 10 spots lower than it was a decade ago while neighboring states are all on the upswing of the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index. On the heels of state lawmakers failing to stop automatic employer tax hikes because they didn’t repay a federal loan and adequately refill the state’s unemployment trust fund, employers are getting the message they are unwelcome in Illinois.

A new law recently signed by Governor Pritzker requires universities to give students access to online versions of their course materials on the first day of class. These online alternatives would be priced significantly lower than printed textbooks.

“But the mandated furloughs indicate what this legislation is all about…Home confinement was originally implemented for at least two reasons — to relieve jail crowding and to allow jail inmates perceived to be less of a threat than some others to be held in a setting less severe than jail but still be confined. Now to turn them loose on the grounds that they have errands to run or appointments to keep makes no sense. Home confinement is supposed to be inconvenient because engaging in criminal behavior is a threat to one’s personal liberty.”

Jim Dey: “It’s no surprise Chicago politicians are the best money can buy…Marinated in Illinois’ corrosive culture, many politicians view public office as a business where self-service trumps public service. And they ain’t changin’ anytime soon.”