Amanda Robert News
New book details attorney’s frustrations with MDL: Handling of cases becoming ‘more and more deplorable’
“I don’t think I am exaggerating. The percentage of cases is increasing in the MDLs, and the manner in which they are handling these cases is becoming more and more deplorable.”
Local activists honored by ‘Open the Books’ founder for taking a stand
The Edgar County Watchdogs – a “group of concerned citizens” that digs for and posts news of public corruption from 21 counties on its website – recently joined more than a dozen other citizens and groups who were honored for holding local government accountable.
Are reporters informing the public well enough amidst state's financial crisis?
Can the average Illinoisan identify the opportunity costs when the state sends 25 percent of general revenues to its massively under-funded public pension systems?
Watchdogs searching for corruption across Illinois say they're finding it
It’s obvious that Illinois faces a long list of problems – a history of public corruption, never-ending financial trouble and the continued exodus of people and businesses – but who or what is at fault is a little harder to understand.
Politics, case law complicate efforts to reform workers’ compensation law
While Illinois business leaders and legal advocates continue to call for changes in their workers’ compensation system, they also admit that a few obstacles stand in the way of significant reform.
High costs of work comp driving business out of Illinois, experts say
CHICAGO - For organizations that advocate on behalf of business in Illinois, there’s no question – the high cost of workers’ compensation will continue to have dire consequences for the state and its economy.
Reform proponent suggests trimming Work Comp Commission budget by $10 million
Reform proponent suggests trimming Work Comp Commission budget by $10 million Workers’ compensation continues to be a contentious issue in Illinois, with many business leaders and legal advocates pushing for more reform.
Attorney: Judge would put Chicago Public Schools' bankruptcy on 'short leash'
“When circumstances are dire, and you’re running out of options, or you have no options left, it’s that process that brings everyone together, imposes discipline and creates a requirement as a practical matter, if not as a strict legal matter, that you get something done that solves the problem,” says bankruptcy attorney David Christian of Chicago.
Illinois lawmaker: Municipal bankruptcy may not be magic bullet but it's another 'tool in toolbox' for pension crisis
CHICAGO - In Illinois, increasing pension obligations are consuming more of its taxpayers’ dollars, pushing cities and towns to cut core services and raise property taxes just to keep up with the payments, policy experts say.
Renewable energy advocates continue push for Clean Jobs Bill; Big provider wants low-emission nuclear in discussion
The Illinois Citizens Utility Board says the Clean Jobs Bill will save utility customers at least $1 billion by 2030, and would translates into a minimum savings of $8 to $9 a month for each customer. Those claims, however, are vigorously disputed by various policy analysts.
Groups seek higher renewable energy standards; Analyst says costs will go up, jobs down
The next year could bring significant changes to the renewable energy industry in Illinois, as the legislature will likely consider a state measure to change the renewable portfolio standard as well as a federal mandate to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, released by the Obama administration last week.
CUB critics say the utility rate watchdog is more focused on politics than advocating for consumers
CHICAGO - While the Illinois Citizens Utility Board caught some development and policy experts off guard with its support of the potentially pricey Clean Jobs Bill earlier this year, Dan Proft of the Illinois Opportunity Project contends that he wasn’t surprised. “Sometimes they’ll tilt at windmills, figuratively and literally, if it means sticking it to ComEd,” he said.
Illinois fails to measure nonprofit spending, policy expert says
While the Illinois state government gives billions of dollars to nonprofit organizations over the course of an ordinary budget year, there is little oversight of how the organizations spend those dollars, says Kristina Rasmussen, executive vice president of the Illinois Policy Institute. “They give that money with the best intentions, hoping it will help carry out some of the priorities they have deemed to be important,” Rasmussen said.
Illinois CUB fails to provide accurate info on Clean Jobs Bill, economic development consultant says
SPRINGFIELD - In recent months, the Illinois Citizens Utility Board (CUB) surprised economic development and policy experts like Mark Glennon by staunchly supporting the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill. Illinois Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) introduced the bill in February, with the intent to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable resources, reduce carbon pollution and create jobs. The Clean Jobs Bill has stalled for now, but proponents have signaled it
Asbestos advocacy group seeks to derail transparency legislation; Simmons and other firms provide financial support for ADAO
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), which calls itself the largest independent asbestos victims’ organization in the country, is taking a lead in derailing legislation that would require asbestos bankruptcy trust to operate more transparently.