Cook County Record

Monday, February 24, 2020

Their View News

Their View

Blagojevich returns to an Illinois as corrupt as he left it

Illinois' political leadership learned nothing from the Blagojevich nightmare. And now it may be coming back to bite them.

By Austin Berg | Feb 20, 2020

Their View

Protect Illinois manufacturers, business owners against lawsuit abuse

Illinois businesses are hit over and over again with relentless, meritless lawsuits that put a strain on everyone involved, hinder businesses, and slow our economy.

By Nicole Wolter | Feb 14, 2020

Latest News

The 1%: Illinois’ pension millionaires

Jan 23, 2020

More than 129,000 Illinois public pensioners will see expected payouts of $1 million or more during retirement.

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From Madison Record

With voters set to decide on progressive income tax, Illinois wealth flight among worst in the nation

By Orphe Divounguy and Bryce Hill, Illinois Policy Institute | 2 months ago

New data shows Illinois since 2010 lost up to $32 billion in income from people moving out. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s graduated income tax plan would hike rates on those most likely to leave.

Public safety pension consolidation is a first step, but difficult decisions ahead

By The Center Square | Dec 20, 2019

Boosting investment returns will help. But more pension reforms are needed to ease tax burden, The Center Square argues.

Palm v. Holocker: A Study in Legislative Inactivity

By John M. Fitzgerald, Tabet DiVito & Rothstein | Nov 13, 2019

The Illinois Supreme Court specifically asked Illinois lawmakers to clear up a problem in a state law governing when litigants' medical conditions can be raised as "an issue" in a civil lawsuit. The General Assembly has not even acknowledged the request.

Biometrics class actions rising in Illinois, show no signs of abating. What can you do?

By Michael Hayes, Robert Tomaso and Anne Mayette, Husch Blackwell | Nov 5, 2019

Class action lawsuits under the Illinois Biometrics Information Privacy Act continue to mount following a recent Illinois Supreme Court decision. Husch Blackwell lawyers offer a look at what that could mean to you.

Sweeping changes to IL employment laws mean employers should take note, make changes to avoid big penalties

By Lauren Bever and Franklin Wolf | Sep 20, 2019

Illinois has made big changes to its laws addressing sexual harassment, human rights and other employment rules. Here's how it could affect your business.

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From Madison Record

Pritzker contract gives AFSCME unfettered access to workers' private information

By Mailee Smith, Illinois Policy Institute | 6 months ago

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker agreed to a deal with AFSCME Council 31 that threatens the privacy of state workers and violates workers’ rights.

Pritzker, Raoul deal with Sterigenics 'only decision' to make within the law, despite 'vigilante' efforts of local lawmakers

By Rich Trzupek | Aug 28, 2019

Three Illinois Republican lawmakers have "aided and abetted the 21st Century version of vigilante justice in place of the rule of law" by backing the claims and actions of activists seeking to shut down Sterigenics, when the company did not violate applicable emissions rules, says air quality consultant and chemist Rich Trzupek.

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From Madison Record

Pritzker promises over $10 billion in new spending on $3.4 billion progressive tax hike

By Tivas Gupta and Adam Schuster, Illinois Policy Institute | 7 months ago

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” plan falls far short of the revenue needed to pay for his spending promises – feeding fears of future tax hikes on middle-class families.

Affordable housing boost, at everyone else's expense

By Mark Glennon, Wirepoints | Jul 30, 2019

Illinois lawmakers are contemplating special tax breaks for developers to encourage affordable housing. But it may just end up raising your tax bill.

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From Madison Record

Illinois home values down 21%, property taxes up 9% since 2007

By Orphe Divounguy and Bryce Hill, Illinois Policy Institute | 7 months ago

Without serious property tax relief – including pension reform – it is likely fewer will demand planting roots in Illinois.

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From Madison Record

Doubling Illinois' gas tax, other tax hikes will go to fund more than $1.4 billion of waste and pork

By Adam Schuster, Illinois Policy Institute | 8 months ago

Lawmakers sold 21 new taxes and fees as necessary to rebuild crumbling roads and bridges and balance the budget. Instead, taxpayers will be funding dog parks, swimming pools, snowmobile paths, a vacant theater and pickleball courts.

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From Madison Record

Pain at the pump

By Ted Dabrowski, Wirepoints | 8 months ago

Illinoisans' pain at the pump will be more acute than ever now that the state's motor fuel tax has doubled to 38 cents per gallon from 19 cents.

Illinois "deep pockets" law leaves taxpayers on hook for big settlements, despite minimal fault

By John Pastuovic | Jun 14, 2019

Illinois lawmakers' refusal to reform the law has socked taxpayers with a "lawsuit tax," leaving Chicago and other governments as the "deep pockets" defendants needing to foot the bill for huge settlements, when they aren't even at fault.

'Fair Workweek' laws coming soon to Illinois. Employers should take note

By Jessica Causgrove, Fisher Phillips | Apr 17, 2019

So-called 'Fair Workweek' laws have landed in big, politically progressive cities across the country, and Illinois and Chicago are likely to soon follow. It will have a big impact on just about every business.

Martin takes helm as 4th chair in Jenner & Block's 105-year history

By Karen Kidd | Jan 26, 2019

"It's a great day to be a lawyer," Craig Martin, the newest chair of the over a century-old law firm Jenner & Block, said during a recent interview.

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From Madison Record

Lawsuit abuse still a problem in Illinois

By John Pastuovic, Illinois Civil Justice League | 1 year ago

The problems plaguing courtrooms throughout Illinois are well-documented. Our courts have seen ridiculous cases over having too many peanuts in a bag of mixed nuts or allegations of being “injured” by paying higher prices for products than their self-claimed worth.

Letter to Editor: Viable options exist for Obama Center without confiscating public park land

By Charles A. Birnbaum | Oct 17, 2018

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