Local businesses have always been an integral part of the fabric of our community, and supporting these businesses has never been more important.
Q98.5 and Townsquare Rockford is committed to standing with local businesses, and the people who bring them to life and make them special. So we are very proud to introduce our inaugural Q98.5 Townsquare Rockford Townie Awards for 2021.
The Townies are our way of honoring some of the local businesses that help define the unique character of the Rockford community.
We know you ll recognize some, and others might be new to you but since our community grows and changes constantly, that s the point. We hope you enjoy this eclectic list of some of the people, places and things that we love about Rockford.
✓State Employee and Retiree Health Care Savings – the administration has negotiated over $900 million in health care cost savings.
✓ Estimated $650 million in collectively- bargained cost savings with employees through FY23.
✓ An additional $260 million in savings achieved through negotiated insurance rates and contract terms with providers. -
Behind the fancy savings language, I’m reading more delayed payments for health providers to state employees and retirees. Possibly higher co-pays or increased insurance payments by employees / retirees. And expectations of clawbacks in the next labor union contract.
Those 3 items in the summary come to $1.8B. Not quite smoke and mirrors, but not guaranteed. Likely a double whammy to existing state employees.