Taxpayers Paying for New Model of Chicago
In 2008, the Chicago Architecture Foundation was awarded a $100,000 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to “assist in the development of the 2008-2009 Special Exhibitions.” According to the DCEO Grant Tracker (Under “Search Grants by Organization” …
Rahm on TIF
Not many people understand tax increment financing (TIF) very well, and the lack of transparency in the TIF process, particularly in Chicago, leaves many taxpayers unaware of exactly where TIF developments are located, how many tax dollars are going …
Who Brings Home the Pork from Washington?
With the release of the 2010 Capital Bill Piglet Book highlighting wasteful spending by the state, I was curious to see what kind of wasteful spending was taking place at the federal level on behalf of Illinois.
This information was …
State Government Spends $300,000 on Polar Play Zone
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity authorized a $300,000 grant to the Shedd Aquarium Society for a Polar Play Zone Exhibit. According to the DCEO, the funds were used to assist in the development of the exhibit design …
Stimulus Working for You?
Section 1604 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (AARA) specifically prohibits funds from flowing to certain entertainment and recreation projects.
Does a casino, aquarium, zoo, golf course, or swimming pool sound like recreation or entertainment to you?…
Summertime Blues
According to the Chicago Tribune, a new Congressional report called “Summertime Blues” shows stimulus funding has gone to buy iPods for high school students, cell phones for smokers trying to quit, and advertising for the stimulus itself.
The Eye-ful Tower
Property owners on State Street in Chicago are on the hook for the installation of the EYE, a giant eyeball designed by artist Tony Tasset.
Open Meetings and Sunshine Commission Update
Two pieces of important legislation went to the Governor’s desk today. The Open Meetings Minutes Act (HB5483) and Sunshine Commission Act (HB4836).
The Open Meetings Minutes Act, sponsored by Rep. Renée Kosel and Sen. Susan Garrett, would improve the …
Medicaid Transparency Passes Both Houses
Medicaid Transparency (HB5241) has passed both Houses and now awaits a signature from the Governor. The Institute’s Kristina Rasmussen testified in support of this legislation, explaining how it would provide the following:
- Offer government administrators a valuable tool
…
Alert: Sunshine Commission Passes Both Houses
Great news from Springfield today:
The Sunshine Commission Act, introduced by Rep. David Reis and picked up by Senator Matt Murphy, has passed both houses. The Sunshine Commission, a central part of the Institute’s Economic Reform Agenda for …
