By: Christopher Ryan Crisanti Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently unveiled her 2022 budget proposal to the City Council. While normally delivered in mid-October, the annual budget address not only provides an overview of the city’s fiscal priorities, but also reflects the significance and the power of the position of “mayor.” As the chief executive of aContinue reading ““Weak mayor” vs. “strong mayor” systems of government”
Author Archives: prairiestatepolicyllc
The tax funding of Illinois college football programs
Introduction Big-time college football is big-time business. And with big-time business comes big-time money. The United States is undoubtedly an (American) football nation. When the leaves start to fall, we go giddy for the gridiron. While Chicago may be regarded as a pro-football town, college football is no exception. What is sometimes forgotten is thatContinue reading “The tax funding of Illinois college football programs”
State journalism task force is good for local journalism
By: Christopher Ryan Crisanti In July of this year I wrote about why local journalism matters not only for our communal well-being, but for our democracy as well. As more small, local newspapers have been purchased, there is the concern that the out-of-community corporation ownership has the potential erode local news. Moreover, some communities areContinue reading “State journalism task force is good for local journalism”
New census numbers debunk the common perception of exodus (At least for Chicago and Suburbs)
Here in Illinois, there is the common perception that the state faces a crisis of mass exodus due to high property taxes, political corruption, and fiscal challenges. While these problems certainly do exist, recent U.S. Census data indicates the common perception may not be as serious as the reality. First, it is true that IllinoisContinue reading “New census numbers debunk the common perception of exodus (At least for Chicago and Suburbs)”
Local 701 labor strike reminds us why unions matter for the economy
By: Christopher Ryan Crisanti Automobile Mechanics Union Local 701 earlier this month went on strike after contract talks with New Car Dealer Committee stalled. For those of use who live in Southwest burbs, the signs held by individuals occupied outside car dealerships made it apparent. The fight for a better contract reminds us of whyContinue reading “Local 701 labor strike reminds us why unions matter for the economy”
Over $16 billion in infrastructure help coming for Illinois
Congress has passed President Biden’s landmark $1 trillion infrastructure bill which will provide aid to states to help build bridges, maintain roads, construct broadband access, and much more. While it is still to be determined how much money Illinois will be exactly receiving, Senators Durbin and Duckworth have noted the following: It should also beContinue reading “Over $16 billion in infrastructure help coming for Illinois”
Programming Alert
We will be taking some vacation time off here at Prairie State Policy and will return recharged in a couple of weeks to bring you more content. In the meantime, feel free to drop us an email on what policy issues concern you and what issues you would like us to write about. See youContinue reading “Programming Alert”
Eek! Gas prices
One national issue that normally hits home locally is gas prices. We feel the effect of these prices daily: commuting to work, traveling out of state, and driving to the grocery store and restaurants. These high gas prices cut into what goods and services we would otherwise spend money on. Economics aside, it goes withoutContinue reading “Eek! Gas prices”
Two credit rating agencies increase state’s bond rating. Third awaits
The following is a continuation of the piece The State’s Bond Ratings Over the Years. Read about it here. Prairie State Policy previously published a piece illustrating the state’s bond rating over the years. Good news was delivered the last few weeks as two of the major three credit rating agencies have upgraded the state ofContinue reading “Two credit rating agencies increase state’s bond rating. Third awaits”
The Erosion of Local News is Real and Why You Should be Concerned
By: Christopher Ryan Crisanti Prairie State Policy was founded on the premise that state and local government matters. With the public conversation more often than not titled toward national issues, the purpose of the blog is to try to shift that pendulum back and message why local and state issues are just, if not more,Continue reading “The Erosion of Local News is Real and Why You Should be Concerned”
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