-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
Summary and audio linked here.
Chicago’s political leadership is floating a pension buyout program as evidence it is seriously addressing the city’s thirty-six-billion-dollar unfunded pension liability, but Mark Glennon, founder of the Illinois policy research organization Wirepoints, said that the proposal moves debt from one column to another rather than reducing it, and that the broader fiscal picture facing the city continues to deteriorate across every measurable dimension. Audio here.
Expect no retraction or apology. This what they do.
The state’s existing buyout program for its own pensions is the precedent for Chicago, which should be a warning: Look out for similar exaggerated claims and shoddy analysis.
Full interview and summary linked here.
SIGN UP HERE FOR OUR FREE WIREPOINTS DAILY NEWSLETTER
What about taxpayers rights? There should be a list of what rights are to be expected from local and state governments. There should be a forum of sorts to see what ordinary non union people want.
What would be on your list to be added to the constitution? Everyone has their own ideas. A few would be school choice and reasonable taxation. Transparency from behind closed door negotiations and input from taxpayers before certain contracts are ratified.
Nothing is stopping any of those. You want school choice? Elect candidates that support that position. Want “reasonable” taxes (whatever that is), then elect candidates that support less government services and less spending. Your union holds an election every two years with one coming up in November. You have the right to vote for your representative. Just remember that so do the other taxpayers and they may not agree with your priorities.
It is very difficult for the Republican rep we have to get anything passed even though he is on the property tax task force. The public cannot vote for who is to be speaker of the house. Only the reps can do that and I believe it only takes 60 votes. That is why Madigan was there for so many years and if someone voted against him I guess you don’t get a clock he gave everyone. I wonder what was in the clock that was so valuable? We do have school choice but if someone chooses private or home… Read more »
Crain’s is lower than toilet paper at this point. Canceled my subscription 10 years ago when they stopped being a business journal but man have they fallen further lately. Good grief, what’s next, an opinion piece trumpeting the benefits of communism and evil of capitalism?
This is an opinion piece by Crain’s. At the exact same time they also posted an opinion piece titled “Illinois’ Jobs Creators Can’t Afford This Proposed Law”. So they posted differing opinion pieces for their readers to review. I guess you only want information that aligns to your already preconceived ideas otherwise its trash. Just because a publication doesn’t echo all of your beliefs doesn’t make it trash. If anything it makes it balanced.
Crains destroyed what made Crains what is was. 20 years ago they would have taken a pro-business position and addressed the deficiencies in the amendment through reasoned arguments and rebuttals instead of fluffery, partisan talking points and nonsense. This ‘opinion’ piece isn’t even an opinion, or not even a well-reasoned one.
So you admit that your reasoning is that they provide differing views from “a pro-business position” vs 20 years ago they would have completely ignored the opposing opinion. That doesn’t make them trash that makes them balanced. Why are you afraid of them publishing differing opinions? You’ve stated it’s not well reasoned so you have nothing to worry about. Not everything needs to be an echo chamber.
Reading comprehension! 20 years ago they would have provided an argument that addressed, but refuted, the other side. These days it’s all just talking point. The lost art of rhetoric.
Oh I see…You want Crain’s or any other “good” publication to start with a supporting position, lay out their arguments in favor of said position, and then point out the deficiencies of the other side. Of course you also want that starting position to align with you, otherwise they are garbage. In a fair debate both sides are given their opportunity to present their side as well as time for rebuttal. You want to skip all that and let one side of the debate to present their argument, as well as present the other sides argument, and then declare victory… Read more »
The piece in favor of the amendment is a PR fluff piece a high schooler might write for debate team. It doesn’t even address the other side. It is just talking points: right to work states bad, unions losing power = bad, muh democracy good, structural imbalances bad, worker good/employer bad. These premises are accepted as factually true, not even up for debate, with the proof as some links to NPR, citing some other study.
If I don’t want to read this low information nonsense, I’m putting myself in an echochamber, than so be it.
It’s good you finally admit you prefer an echo chamber. It’s your first step to self awareness. Kudos.