Waste watch: Illinois gives almost $1.2M to labor activist group
Illinois lawmakers provided nearly $1.2 million to a political advocacy group promoting progressive labor policies. Little info was offered about how the taxes will be used.
Illinois’ 2026 budget includes nearly $1.2 million in taxpayer grants to Centro de Trabajadores Unidos, a progressive labor advocacy organization.
Centro de Trabajadores Unidos is a South Chicago–based nonprofit that describes itself as cultivating “immigrant and low-wage workers to build collective power, defend their rights, and challenge exploitation.” While it presents its mission as helping residents through job training and community programs, the organization also engages in political advocacy – pushing for higher minimum wages and stronger labor regulation. It also provides services for undocumented immigrants.
The Illinois Department of Human Services awarded the organization $500,000 for a general grant with no explanation of purpose or what was expected for the money. It also supplied $250,000 for “violence prevention and youth employment programs.”
On top of those amounts, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity granted Centro de Trabajadores Unidos $433,283 for “building aquation” – without defining what that vague term means – and other capital improvements.
Funding one organization through multiple agencies for overlapping goals makes it even more difficult for taxpayers to track outcomes. It makes it easy for tax dollars to be spent without scrutiny.
Taxpayers should not have to pay for ideological projects and programming. They should know what they are getting for their money.
Lawmakers claimed the 2026 budget contained no pork, but a closer look shows 2,815 items over $200,000 lawmakers decided to fund in the final hours of the legislative session – rushed, harmful to taxpayers and with no time for public scrutiny.
The items include funding for Centro de Trabajadores Unidos and $40 million for a sports complex at the alma mater of Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch.
Competitive grants with objective evaluation criteria and reporting requirements should be scored and tracked by a state agency to ensure the funds are allocated and used properly. These earmarks should be made public well in advance of the budget vote – not hidden until state lawmakers can get a photo-op to bolster their reelection bids. Taxpayers should know why the money is being spent and what the public should expect in return for the support.
Reforms such as a state budget spending cap, mandatory public review periods and requiring detailed grant disclosures would help restore transparency and trust in Springfield. A little sunshine would ward off waste.
Want to see the 2,815 earmarks and questionable spending state lawmakers put in this year’s budget? Use our look-up tool below.