Category Archives: Cost of Government

Cook County “Pop Tax” Creates Entrepreneurial Opportunity

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Steve Reick

The latest story to hit the airwaves is the threat by the Federal government to cut off food stamp (SNAP) benefits to Cook County as a result of its 1 cent per ounce “pop tax”, which could result in an … Continue reading →

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Dance Band on the Titanic

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Steve Reick

There’s an old saying that bad news comes in threes. It’s certainly true today for Illinois. First comes the news that Illinois’ insurance rates under Obamacare are set to skyrocket by 43%-55% at the end of the year. Nothing about … Continue reading →

Posted in Cost of Government, Public Pensions, Public Sector Unions | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Governor’s SOTS Speech, What He Said and What He Didn’t Say

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Steve Reick

Every “State of” speech I’ve ever heard follows the same script: A recitation of accomplishments achieved since the previous speech; A shopping list of proposals to be addressed before the next one; and A reminder that those who stand in … Continue reading →

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The Case Wasn’t Made For Township Consolidation

Posted on October 7, 2015 by Steve Reick

Today’s vote by the McHenry County Board to deny the motion to put township consolidation on the March 2016 primary ballot came as a surprise to some, but was, in my opinion, the correct one. I’ve said all along that … Continue reading →

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Finding Out What’s In a Contract Before You Have to Pay For It

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Steve Reick

In 2014, Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) sponsored a bill (H.B. 4268) that would have provided transparency to the collective bargaining process between school districts and their union employees. The bill was co-sponsored by 3 of McHenry County’s representatives: Mike Tryon … Continue reading →

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