Featured Resource: OpenPensions.org

While we don't normally write about public finance, we support any efforts to increase government transparency. Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer's Open Pensions website does just this. Commissioner Gainer is chairwoman of the County's pension oversight committee. The site addresses an import...
April 18, 2012

Small Dollar Lending Guidelines from the CFPB

This post originally appeared the Illinois Asset Building Group Blog.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)  released "Examination Procedures: Short-term, Small Dollar Lending," (pdf) which are guidelines for examining small dollar loan products. The guidelines are written for financial...
April 11, 2012

Texas Appleseed Report Profiles Small Dollar Lenders

This post originally appeared on the Illinois Asset Building Group (IABG) blog. Chicago Appleseed is an IABG partner. A report released this week by Texas Appleseed, "Reshaping the Future of Small Dollar Lending," makes the policy case for small dollar loans, and then profiles six market newcomers...
February 14, 2012

Cook County Bond Court Overlooks Critical Information

This editorial originally appeared at the Huffington Post.  In less than the time it takes to make an ATM withdrawal, Cook County Bond Court judges make decisions affecting individual liberty and the public safety. This way of transacting justice exacts a dear convenience fee -- defendants' liberty...
February 2, 2012

Illinois Asset Building Group Launches New Website

The Illinois Asset Building Group, of which Chicago Appleseed is a member, unveiled a new website this week. Be sure to check it out at: http://www.illinoisassetbuilding.org/ An excerpt from their launch email explains the site features: Asset Building Blog: our blog will provide a space for IAB...
January 19, 2012