-- 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.
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“”Strong Leadership-Less in Tough Times,”” killed Illinois, on purpose.
I was lees concerned of being shot in Iraq in 1989-90 than I am of being shot in Shitcago today. JBlob Prickster destroyed 40% of small businesses in IllinoisIStan and they will never come back. The Branch Covidian Hysterics will hide at hoe forever.
It’s not coming back – the rampant crime was the final nail.
I worked in the Loop until 3/17/2020. I ate lunch at local restaurants everyday of the work week until 3/17/2020. I have not been back to the office since 3/17/2020. There are a lot of people like me.
Blame Pritzker and Lightfoot for MANDATORY shutting everything down. My office had plenty of space. We could have social distanced, canceled meetings in small rooms, worn masks, rode the elevator in no more than pairs, etc. But no, we were FORCED out.
My company closed its downtown office. We’re all in the suburbs now. I don’t plan on returning downtown again. I wish Lori, Toni Etc would have bucked the national Dem Blue State ‘party line’ and stayed open. But they didn’t. They all shut down in unison, all in the same ways, and stayed closed the longest. At least Red states had varying degrees of shut downs and they opened up sooner. But the blue states all acted in the same way. And it destroyed them. 2022 is going to be a blow out for them. They don’t deserve power ever… Read more »
Allowing the riots to go unabated and destruction of public monuments sent a clear message to criminals – it’s open season on Chicago and its residents.
They are in on the scam, and they also allowed the animals to Burn Loot and Murder unabated for the last 2.5 years. This is a 100% Leftist politician failure.
My usual Potbelly’s sandwich downtown costs 40% more than it did just a year ago. What used to be $7 with tax is now $10. It adds up.
With increased food and staffing costs, lots of us simply can’t justify paying the prices. Then they add kitchen tip or other surcharges. Their landlords are also trying to increase their rent. Lots of restaurants are going to be shutting down. Similarly grocery stores that can’t keep their shelves full or their cash registers staffed. Once enough unskilled employees get laid off, a few of these businesses may revive with workers who can manage to live on the minimum wage. Somehow politicians have been convinced that all workers deserve $20-$30 per hour but most people in the customer or patron… Read more »
Funny you mention tips, because for the first time, I was prompted to leave a tip upon card swipe at a Potbelly’s checkout. But that price increase I mentioned did not include tip.
I’m with you. I feel for the restaurant owners and their employees who are suffering. These conditions are directly attributable to the corrupt politicians in the state and the city who were put in office by those who mindlessly voted D. We can’t afford to eat in restaurants any more. The closest we get to dining out is a take out pizza every now and then.
We’ve found the local Mom & Pop shops remain reasonable. Fine dining? No, but a break from the kitchen once in a while. Some of them offer surprisingly good food … far better than the chains.
Next they’ll offer free booze and weed! Stop living in denial! They’re not coming back! If you have anything invested in Chicago, Run before Lori(Uncle Gunny Sack) gets you.
Downtown Still Deserted, As Former Loop Employees Work From Home — Loop Restaurants Empty