By: Quinn Newman and Ryley Bruun Overview The city of Chicago has had a turbulent history in recent years with its public schools system as strikes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous inequities have created a need for change. One solution currently being deliberated is to replace the current mayor-appointed school board with an elected bodyContinue reading “A history of the structure and administration of Chicago’s Board of Education: Part I”
Category Archives: Public Management
What’s the controversy with firefighter pensions?
Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed a bill which alters cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for firefighter pensions moving forward. At issue was how pension benefits are given to Chicago firefighters. Previously, any Chicago firefighter who was born on or after January 1st received a non-compounded 1.5% COLA with a cumulative cap of 30% (as long as theyContinue reading “What’s the controversy with firefighter pensions?”
How Federal Stimulus Revenue will be allocated in Illinois [update]
The following is an update from the piece How Federal Stimulus Money will be Allocated in Illinois, which was published March 15. State leaders recently convened on how to allocate the $7.5 billion the state will receive under President Biden’s stimulus plan. According to Gov. Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, and Speaker Chris Welch, the stateContinue reading “How Federal Stimulus Revenue will be allocated in Illinois [update]”
Municipalities will need to (eventually) invest in aging water lines
By: Christopher Ryan Crisanti A recent front-page story from The Chicago Tribune noted that nearly 8 of every 10 residents live in communities with high exposure to lead in their tap water from very old and depreciating service line pipes. Many, if not nearly all, of pipes in Illinois were installed over 100 hundred yearsContinue reading “Municipalities will need to (eventually) invest in aging water lines”
Municipal Snow Management During the Winter
Overview Illinois, especially the northern part of the state, falls victim of a high abundance of snow during the winter. Massive snow fall not only creates inconvenience, but potentially dangerous conditions. Moreover, poor planning can deplete reserves and put a strangle hold on budgets as municipalities coop with maintenance of roads, snow removal, liability claims,Continue reading “Municipal Snow Management During the Winter”
The History, Benefits, and Concerns of the Illinois State Lottery
By: Quinn Newman Overview The Illinois Lottery was established in 1974 as a way to help fund Chicago’s K-12 school programs as well as many other causes over the years. The lottery generates about $3 billion per year with the state collecting over $700 million. Originally intended to help fund education, the program has receivedContinue reading “The History, Benefits, and Concerns of the Illinois State Lottery”
What is the Local Government Distribution Fund?
Overview The recent legislation to adopt police reforms (House Bill 3653) concerned many about a penalty if municipalities did not install body cameras for police officers by 2025. If the municipality failed to comply with the requirement, it would have face a 20 percent reduction in state funding from its Local Government Distribution Fund (LGDF)Continue reading “What is the Local Government Distribution Fund?”
The State’s Bond Ratings Over the Years
Overview A bond rating grades the credit worthiness of the state or municipality. The stronger the bond rating, the greater ability for the state or municipality to borrow at lower interest ratings and better deal to finance projects, fund services or service debt. This piece looks at the state’s bond ratings in prior years. TheContinue reading “The State’s Bond Ratings Over the Years”
Illinois’ First Minimum Wage Law
Overview The U.S. Federal minimum wage was first implemented in 1938 under the Roosevelt administration with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLA). However, FLA did not mandate a universal minimum wage for all industries and were subject to exceptions. By the early 1970s, many state legislatures convened to address these issues by passing legislation toContinue reading “Illinois’ First Minimum Wage Law”
Illinois-Centric Books for the Holiday Season
Here at Prairie State Policy we like to read. In fact, some of our published work came from ideas or citations from Illinois-centric books. With many staying indoors this holiday season due to COVID-19, we decided to compile a list of Illinois-centric books for the savvy reader and Illinois politico. We hope this list containsContinue reading “Illinois-Centric Books for the Holiday Season”
Prairie State Policy 