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Archive for the ‘Look For The Union Label’ Category

The DSA’s socialist plans carry a $212T price tag — and every one of us will pay

Posted in Democratic Socialists of America, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Immigration, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, New York Post, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Springfield, Taxes, The Other Half, Unions, Village Code on September 5, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Adam Michel | New York Post

It started in New York, but now democratic socialism is on a winning streak around the country.

Months after Zohran Mamdani became mayor, candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America nearly swept the city’s June Democratic primaries.

In Florida, DSA member Angie Nixon won the Democratic Senate nomination over the establishment favorite.

And it’s not just the DSA’s own candidates: Socialist ideas are being laundered into the mainstream Democratic Party.

In the upper Midwest, Abdul El-Sayed and Peggy Flanagan rode Sen. Bernie Sanders’ endorsement to win Democratic Senate primaries, campaigning on Medicare for All and expansive Green New Deal-like policies.

So I took the DSA platform — dubbed “A Day Without Capitalism,” it’s long on rhetoric and thin on details — and tallied up the costs.

The bottom line: The DSA wants somewhere between $71 trillion and $212 trillion in new spending over the next decade.

Continue reading here.

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CUSD 220 Board of Education budget public hearing and meeting Tuesday

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), E-bikes, Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Hearing, Public Safety, Real Estate, School Districts, Snowflake Effect, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education meets tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street. Items on their agenda include:

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Related: “CUSD 220 Tentative Fiscal 2026/27 Budget Public Hearing September 1st,” “District 220 board members violated campaign policies, investigation finds,” “Proposed Policy Change Would Strip Anonymous Formal Grievances in Barrington District 220,” “Reminder: CUSD 220 Board of Education meeting tonight,” “CUSD 220 Board delivers second (slappier) slap on the wrist to member Erin Chan Ding,” “CUSD 220 Board of Education public comments we applaud,” “Special District 220 Board of Education meeting Monday,” “Over $100,000 in Special Interest Funding gifted to 220 Board member’s campaign in failed bid for State Rep job,” “New Evidence of Chan Ding’s Policy Violations and Conflicts of Interest,” “The D220 Board of Ed gets another ‘F’ in accountability & transparency,” “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS – Part 2,” “BOARD OF ED VOTES, MEMBER CHAN DING MADE FLAGRANT POLICY VIOLATIONS,” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency (Updated),” “District 220’s Lack of Transparency” and “Change.org Petition: ‘For the Resignation of Erin Chan Ding ~ D220 Resources are Not for Political Campaigns’”

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Pritzker record: Illinois loses tens of thousands of residents during his tenure

Posted in Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes on August 26, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Illinois’ population has shrunk under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s leadership and is predicted to fall further.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

While population growth is a basic measure of effective governance, tens of thousands of people have left Illinois under Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The state’s outmigration challenge is expected to worsen, with Illinois projected to lose 600,000 residents by 2033, driven by a drop of 450,000 in Illinois’ prime-working-age population.

And from 2020 to 2025, Illinois’ population of residents under 20 fell by 6.8%, more than three times faster than the national average of 2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Net loss of 168,000

Since 2018, the state has lost a net of more than 168,000 residents, or over 1% of its population. Illinois ranks 48th in population growth rate among the 50 states.

The rest of the Midwest grew by 2.1% during the same time period.

Of the nearly 83,000 residents who left in 2024, almost all of them went to states with lower taxes. Florida alone claimed a net of over 11,000 Illinois residents that year, while a net of nearly 37,000 left for Illinois’ neighbor states.

Pritzker’s second term has seen a slight uptick in population, largely because of international migration. Without that boost, Illinois’ total would have declined in 2025.

Report continues here.

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Pritzker defends 57% toll hike approved by board he appointed

Posted in Appointments, Clown Car, Deception, Elections, Fat Bastard, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, Unions on August 25, 2026| 1 Comment »

The governor also tried to distance himself from the increases by pointing to the board — which he appointed.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker both defended the toll hikes that were approved last week and sought to distance himself from them.

Pritzker appointed all eight Illinois Tollway board members who signed off unanimously on the increases, which include the largest passenger hike in state history.

Asked about the rate increases last week at the Illinois State Fair, Pritzker said they were necessary to ensure Illinois has proper road infrastructure to keep the state competitive for commercial activity.

“Let’s be clear. We want to make sure that our roads are pothole-free, that we’re making sure to build more so we can build our economy across the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.

He also defended the hikes in June at an unrelated event.

“It’s something that they need to do in order to make sure that we have the best roads, the best infrastructure, and I think that’s something that you may overlook may when you contemplate why they would consider this,” Pritzker said.

But also at the fair, he said, “That was something voted on by the tollway authority.”

Under Illinois law, the governor appoints the nine-member tollway board (it’s currently eight members) and serves as an ex-officio member along with the state Transportation Secretary.

Pritzker and the transportation secretary did not vote.

Report continues here.

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Most Cook County homeowners to see taxes rise again, treasurer says

Posted in 220, Board of Education, Chicago Tribune, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Look For The Union Label, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions on August 24, 2026| Leave a Comment »

People enter the Cook County treasurer’s office in downtown Chicago, Nov. 20, 2025. Cook County property taxes are going up again for the vast majority of homeowners and business owners. | Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune

By A.D. Quig  | Chicago Tribune

Cook County property taxes are going up again for the vast majority of homeowners and business operators who will finally get their bills next month after another round of delays.

Of the 1.8 million bills set to hit mailboxes Sept. 1, about 1.3 million residences and 100,000 businesses will see an increase, according to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ annual analysis.

The total property tax bill for every city, town, school district and other taxing body across Cook County is more than $19.9 billion — an increase of about $744 million (or 3.9%) compared with last year. It’s the 32nd straight annual increase, according to the report.

Nearly all taxing agencies across the county raised their property tax levies this year, the analysis found. About 60% increased them by more than the 3.1% rate of inflation.

Of that new sum, homeowners will pay nearly $600 million, while business properties like offices, factories and big apartment buildings will pay the rest.

The biggest changes will be felt in suburban communities north of North Avenue, who had their properties reassessed in 2025. Growth in home values there “significantly outpaced” those for businesses, the report said, shifting 2% more of the region’s overall tax burden onto homeowners.

Unlike the major spike last cycle that saw a historic 15.7% increase in median bills across the northern suburbs, the median tax bill for homeowners there climbed by 6.7% this year to $8,007, per the analysis.

Report continues here.

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It’s already election time for candidates running for office in 2027

Posted in Appointments, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Hills Park District, Board of Elections, Don't Change Barrington Hills, Elections, Ethics, Fundraisers, Illinois State Board of Elections, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, School Districts, SOS Party, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unite Barrington Hills, Village Board, Your Barrington Hills on August 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Believe it or not, candidates running in the Consolidated April 2027 Election may begin their petition circulation next week. According to records we found in a search of the Cook County Clerk’s Office (not always up to date), the terms of these elected officials will be ending:

Village of Barrington Hills

  • Jessica Hoffmann
  • John Carpenter Clarke
  • Marsha McClary

CUSD 220 Board of Education

  • Barry Altshuler, Vice President
  • Diana L. Clopton, Secretary
  • Leah Collister-Lazzari

Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club

  • Jill Zubak, Vice President
  • Steven E. Allen, Secretary
  • 3rd seat undefined from available records

Barrington Area Library

  • Jennifer J. Lucas
  • Anne Ordway

Harper Community College

  • Dr. Tricia Elliott (Appointed 8.19.26 to replace William Kelley)
  • Nancy N. Robb, Secretary
  • Diane G. Hill

To our knowledge, no one has declared their candidacy for any of these seats. However, it would be decent of those listed above to communicate their intentions sooner than later.

Those considering running for office are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections for guidance on getting started if they’ve not already.

Source: Cook County Clerk’s Office

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Report: Illinois tops nation in debt ratio

Posted in Commodius Maximus, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, IDOT, Illinois Tollway, Immigration, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Politics, Property Taxes, Springfield, The Center Square, Unions on August 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

According to a new report on financial red flags, Illinois has a higher debt ratio than any other state and Chicago is the most financially tenuous place in America.

Reason Foundation used audited financial reports from state governments and the nation’s 100 largest cities, counties and school districts to evaluate them in eight measures of financial health.

Reason Foundation Research Director Geoff Lawrence said Illinois is way upside down, with a debt ratio of 276%.

“It has way more debt than assets, $80 billion in total assets versus $220 billion in debt, so if you were to try to liquidate all of the state’s assets to pay off all its debts, it would be impossible,” Lawrence told The Center Square.

The report also flagged Illinois for liabilities per capita and unrestricted net position.

Lawrence said Chicago residents are facing heavy city and county debt on top of federal and state debt.

“In addition to what you owe to the federal government in terms of outstanding debt per citizen, you owe substantial amounts as well to every level of local government,” Lawrence said, adding that the city continues to dig the hole.

“They outspent revenues by about $580 million in the last year for which we have data,” Lawrence said.

Read on here.

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Illinois Tollway board approves largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Road construction, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions on August 19, 2026| 2 Comments »

 

The sign-off from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s board came despite overwhelming online comment opposition.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Despite overwhelming online public opposition, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Tollway board unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday to hike tolls 57% for passenger vehicles and 30% for commercial vehicles.

The increases take effect Jan. 1.

The measure will increase tolls by about 45 cents each for passengers to an average of $1.24 per toll, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027. Commercial vehicle tolls will increase 30%, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.

Worse, starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board approval. The Illinois Policy Institute projects that passenger toll prices will triple from current levels by 2055.

The proposal was approved 8-0 to fund a new $26.5 billion, 15-year capital plan, but the automatic toll hikes will continue beyond the timeline of the proposed projects.

More here.

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76% of online comments oppose proposed toll hikes

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Clown Car, Cost of Living, Deception, Fat Bastard, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, Unions on August 19, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Illinois Tollway board is slated to vote on the proposal this week.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Online public commenters overwhelmingly oppose proposed Illinois Tollway hikes slated for a vote this week.

Out of nearly 13,750 online comments received from June 18 to Aug. 3, about 10,500 oppose the proposal, 2,250 support it, and 1,000 were neutral. The Illinois Policy Institute obtained the results via a Freedom of Information Act request.

The public comment period has closed, but you can still let the board and Gov. J.B. Pritzker know you oppose the hike here.

The tollway board will likely approve the largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history at its Aug. 19 meeting. The plan would increase fees by 57% for passengers, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027.

Commercial vehicles would pay 30% more, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.

Starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board votes.

Report continues here.

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Illinois among worst in U.S. for population growth, job growth, wage growth

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield on August 15, 2026| 1 Comment »

The state lags in several economic metrics as the governor runs for a third term.

By Bryce Hill and Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois ranks among the worst in the country on several economic metrics.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker is up for re-election Nov. 3.

Population

Illinois still is suffering from people moving out. Since 2018, the state’s has lost more than 168,000 residents, or over 1% of its population.

Illinois ranks 48th among the 50 states in both population growth rate and total population growth.

Pritzker’s second term has seen a slight uptick, largely because of international migration. Without that boost, Illinois’ population would have declined in 2025. Even so, Illinois ranks only 39th in population growth rate from 2023 to 2025.

Unemployment

Poor job growth in part explains the large number of Illinoisians who can’t find work. Illinois’ unemployment rate was 5.1% in June, when over 300,000 residents were looking for work. The rate higher than the 4.6% when Pritzker took office in 2019 and considerably higher than the national average of 4.1% in July, which has been typical under Pritzker.

Report continues here.

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