The Culture of Tightfistedness

If the culture of corruption is a disease then Lake County GOP has it. That's because the Republican Lake County Board has slashed the health insurance on County employees:

The passage of a new health insurance plan by the Lake County Board this week drew warnings from the circuit court clerk and the union representing employees in that department to reconsider part of the plan or face an unfair labor practice charge.
Employees 'feeling betrayed' over Lake County's cuts to insurance contributions, circuit clerk says

The sore spot is over Health Savings Accounts (HSA):

Under the new proposal, the county's contribution to the HSA would be reduced by $50 for single coverage and $100 for family coverage for the second year in a row.
Employees 'feeling betrayed' over Lake County's cuts to insurance contributions, circuit clerk says

HSA (aka junk insurance) accounts are favored by the Republican Party:

HSAs can be a beneficial option for certain consumers, but those who are wealthy are more likely to benefit. Those without a substantial income are less likely to benefit from HSAs because they do not have the money to set aside for the account.
What are health savings accounts, or HSAs, and why do Republicans like them so much?

This may be why Barry Burton is happy with the County's HSA plan. Burton is the Lake County Administrator, and makes $247,090:

County Administrator Barry Burton said Friday that the HSA account policy started with large contributions by the county, but the payments have been been scaling it back so they are more in line with the industry standards. "We have had increased health insurance costs, but it is well below the national average," he said.
Employees 'feeling betrayed' over Lake County's cuts to insurance contributions, circuit clerk says

Note to Ops: Barry Burton will be leaving for a higher-paying County Administrator job in Florida. So, if you work for Lake County and you can't afford your health insurance, you have no cause to complain. Just switch jobs to Lake County Administrator. It pays quite well.