Taxpayers may get hit with 'convenience fee' under new pay-to-pay law

INDIANAPOLIS | Hoosiers soon may be forced to pay a "convenience fee" when using a credit or debit card to pay municipal or utility charges under a new law signed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.

Illinois House rejects gun divestment plan

SPRINGFIELD | The Illinois House rejected a proposal Thursday requiring the state’s public employee pension systems to stop investing in gun manufacturers.

Tips for Protecting Your Family's Financial Future

Do you lay awake at night wondering if you'll have enough money to pay the bills, let alone retire?

GUEST COMMENTARY: 6 percent annually in 401(k) isn't enough

The three-legged stool of retirement planning is collapsing.

EDITORIAL: Illinois must not delay on pension reform

The Land of Lincoln is rusting away. Public sector pensions underfunded by $83 billion are a crisis Illinois has faced for years but still has not resolved.

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Region views on politicians' pensions

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Region views on politicians' pensions

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Julie Birmingham, Crown Point | "I would lean more toward that they have gotten their cut. Just serve their term and go back to the private sector. I've been a homemaker for the last 20 years and even done some volunteering without a dime."

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Kevin Fuller, Hobart | "If they've done the work, then yes. If you look at the way (former Chicago Mayor Richard) Daley got his, then no. He used a loophole. If you serve and don't cheat people, then you deserve a pension."

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Jon-Myckle Price, Valparaiso | "It would depend on their salaries. I'd compare an average person's salary against the politicans to see how to access their pension."

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Kevin Milan, Cedar Lake | "No, they're like everybody else. To me they're nobody special or deserve special treament. They shouldn't get any bigger perk than anyone else."

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Courtney Stoltman, Hobart | "I think so, They do a lot for us. They deserve something for all of their efforts."

"Do high-ranking politicians deserve large pension packages?"

Jessica Montoya, Highland | "I don't believe so, but if they are honest something reasonable is OK. It shouldn't be extremely high, though."

Former owner of St. Anthony hospital to withhold pensions

CROWN POINT | Employees of the former owners of St. Anthony hospital in Crown Point have been notified they are losing pensions.

EDITORIAL: Yet another solid waste of money

The agency charged with managing Lake County's solid waste seems not to be concerned about wasting the taxpayers' dollars. The plan for an extra payout to its top leaders is further evidence in support of that notion.

Solid waste board member chastises retirement benefits proposal as 'greedy'

"Greedy" and "excessive" are among words used by some members of the Lake County solid waste management district board to describe a retirement plan proposed for district employees.

Your pensions depend on businesses being profitable

Cutting off your nose to spite your face. That's what I call it when a retired person, or even one halfway through his working life, blames all of the nation's economic problems on evil corporations and wishes for their demise.

Lawmakers punt on pensions as $85B liability grows

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | The state's biggest bill, already at $85 billion, will keep growing.

Top Indiana Democrat calls for lottery director to quit

INDIANAPOLIS | The chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party demanded Hoosier Lottery Director Kathryn Densborn resign after she spent thousands in taxpayer dollars on plush furniture for lottery offices.