Illinois: State of Happy
Happy is as happy does.
Once upon a time, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn trumpeted “missions accomplished” in the areas of job creation and the budget. He recently defended himself with the following statement: “I think the people of Illinois are a lot happier today, in November of 2009, than they were at the beginning of this year.” Read more
Illinois’ Recipe for Disaster
Above-average entitlements to the downtrodden and less employable plus excess taxation and regulation directed at businesses, large and small, equals 11% unemployment.
Congrats, Illinois! I knew you could get there!
According to Crain’s Chicago Business, this is the 21st consecutive month of job loss. (That puts Illinois ahead of the national recession curve.)
By the way, the state’s unemployment fund went broke in July. (It’s not because businesses were not taxed enough…)
Budget Solution, Pension Edition
The state budget has been impossible to corral for a long, LONG time now. The lawmakers just cannot seem to find a way to cut costs and save money. They just can’t do it. Well I’ve been looking at it for about… two hours… and I’ve got a suggestion. TRIM THE PENSION PLAN! Read more
Illinois Bankruptcies Surge
Of course, extending unemployment will help slow this surge down, though…
