For more than a half century government offices in Chicago, Cook County and the State of Illinois have been required to follow anti-patronage hiring practices under federal court rulings known as Shakman Decrees. The rulings came after a lawsuit by Chicago activist attorney Michael Shakman. who wanted to end the political hiring and related corruption that was said to be the norm at all levels of government. While Illinois still ranks as one of the most corrupt and compromised states every year, few would argue the changes that have been made under Shakman have been a significant improvement. But disputes over exactly how to comply with Shakman continue to this day and along with some confusion and frustration comes another problem: A big compliance bill for taxpayers to foot.
Perspectives
It’s high time someone studied marijuana taxes – so we did
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As marijuana taxes are imposed in more states, many recreational marijuana users might cross interstate borders to avoid them or even hoard stocks of weed in anticipation of them.
Policy & Finance
Currency exchange rate hike to hit the unbanked with more fees
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The impending increase will disproportionately impact lower-income blacks and Latinos who have been driven out of mainstream banking in Illinois.
Perspectives
Harold Washington’s legacy provided touchstones for progressive politics
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Washington died not long after winning control of the City Council and re-election. Despite the political challenges he faced, his accomplishments pointed the way toward a more inclusive and fiscally sound Chicago.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Budget war ‘compromises’ don’t address underlying fiscal crisis
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Gov. Bruce Rauner and House Speaker Michael Madigan’s proposals for a property tax freeze and workers’ comp cuts won’t solve the issues that got Illinois into its budget mess in the first place.
Settling for Misconduct
Police misconduct payouts continue to break the bank in Chicago
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Despite spending more than $370 million on police misconduct lawsuits in six years, the city has not heeded official calls to analyze the cases for trends.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Bill targets ‘carried interest’ loophole to make finance titans pay fair share
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Proposed legislation in Illinois and states across the country requires hedge fund and private equity managers to pay income taxes like the rest of us do.