Have you ever been stuck in downtown Chicago traffic and thought that the traffic control aides – the people with the orange vests and whistles – were making snarls worse?
We did and, after digging through government budgets, found that Chicago spent over $10 million on wages for traffic control aides in 2009. Our “Spotlight on Spending” from last October showed how to save money (and frustration) by scaling back the program. We’re pleased to note that this week Mayor Emanuel did just that, for savings of over $2 million.
Have you come across a state or local government program that doesn’t serve its intended purpose? I’d like to talk with you about it. Send me a reply email or call me at 217-528-8800.
Sincerely,
Mark Cavers
Government Reform Policy Analyst
Illinois Policy Institute
John O’Hara Helps Make Sense of the Debt Ceiling
After lawmakers inked a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling, the New York Times turned to the Illinois Policy Institute’s John O’Hara to discuss how the tea party influenced this national debate. In his piece, available online here, he wrote, “Tea Party freshman and veteran lawmakers alike owe their constituents a sustainable solution and should stand firm for real spending cuts. It isn’t easy, but it is the right and prudent thing to do.”
An Illinoying Story from Mike and Mark
In the latest edition of the Mike, Mark and an Abundance of Liberty Podcast, Mark talks about the recent protests from some labor unions in response to Gov. Quinn’s refusal to grant them their third pay increase of the year. This may be shocking, but Mike and Mark think the union’s claims are a little dubious. Listen to the podcast here.
Daily Life: Medicaid Fraud
In Kristina Rasmussen’s latest podcast, she is joined by Joe Coletti of the State Policy Network to discuss why Medicaid applicants should need to prove 1) that they are an Illinois resident and 2) that their income is low enough. “It’s not like if you were eligible yesterday, you aren’t today,” said Kristina. “It’s just asking people to prove you were eligible to begin with.” Listen to the podcast here.
Event: Heartland Institute Author Series
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, join our friends at the Heartland Institute as they host Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch of the Reason Foundation to discuss their new book, “The Declaration of Independents.” The event is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Jaks Tap (901 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60607). The cost to attend is $25, which includes food and drink. Click here to register.