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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute News


Illinois lawmakers hand Pritzker another tax loss, pass Chicago pension hike

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Lame duck session was busy even when House Democrats weren’t focused on replacing Mike Madigan as speaker. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s small business tax hike died as 23 bills were passed, including one making Chicago’s pension woes worse.

Illinois' sobering 'sin taxes' among nation's highest this new year

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Excise taxes have failed to improve Illinoisans’ health while creating an undue burden for those with the least. But lawmakers have yet to kick the habit.

Pritzker closes indoor dining throughout Illinois starting Nov. 4

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
All of Illinois will be under tighter restrictions starting Wednesday, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposing an indoor dining ban as his answer to the spread of COVID-19.

Illinois unemployment benefits stolen as state fails to implement basic security

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
The Illinois Department of Employment Security troubles included scores of unemployed unable to get benefits, nearly 32,500 Social Security numbers exposed and now benefits theft. A simple fix used by many online retailers could have prevented the thefts.

Illinois lawmakers pass Election Day holiday for government workers only

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Election Day 2020 would be a paid holiday for all government workers – at an unknown cost to already ailing local governments.

Pritzker lifts 10-person limit on religous gatherings after facing legal challenges

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
After being asked by the U.S. Supreme Court to reply to religious groups’ objections, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he was ending the 10-person limit on religious gatherings.

Illinois gas tax will double in July, then likely rise nearly a penny a year

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
The state gas tax is projected to automatically increase 130% by 2025, without lawmaker approval. That’s almost 25 cents more on a gallon of gas.

Illinois Senate bill would abolish daylight saving time

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
One Illinois lawmaker has proposed to do away with the unpopular practice of changing the clock twice a year.

Illinois Senate passes bill barring pension double-dipping for local politicians

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Illinois is home to the nation’s worst pension problem. A bill aimed at double-dipping by local politicians could make it better as Illinois pursues a pension system overhaul.

Moving company ranks Illinois second in nation for outbound moves

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Outbound movers cited lack of jobs as most common reason for leaving Illinois in 2018. Most of those who left earned at least $100,000.

Collinsville area voters to decide whether to eliminate park district

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Voters residing in the Collinsville area will consider Nov. 6 whether the Collinsville Area Recreation District should be dissolved.

Poll: High taxes No. 1 reason Illinoisans consider leaving state

By Joe Barnas, Illinois Policy Institute |
Over half of survey respondents have considered leaving Illinois, citing dysfunctional government, disappointing job opportunities and – above all – high taxes.