Chicagoans deserve the most effective, accountable and trustworthy big-city government in the United States. We work to make that vision a reality – bringing responsible government principles and healthy civic engagement to Chicago’s political structure and culture.
Testimony: Chicago pension systems’ dire finances cannot afford benefit boost
Testimony: Chicago pension systems’ dire finances cannot afford benefit boost
Members of the Illinois Senate Pensions Committee heard from pension administrators and government unions about the need for more benefits from retirement systems that are already broken. The Illinois Policy Institute was there, too, to represent taxpayers’ interests.
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago borrows $830M, but mayor can’t use it for Chicago Teachers Union
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson secured approval for his $830 million borrowing plan but can no longer use the money to benefit his cronies at the Chicago Teachers Union. The city just grew its nearly $41 billion in debt.
Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies
Chicago mayor wants to borrow $830M, which could benefit his Chicago Teachers Union cronies
Mayor Brandon Johnson asked to borrow $830 million one day after the city’s credit rating dipping to near-junk status. He would have broad discretion over how to spend the money – including on his friends at the Chicago Teachers Union.
No Illinois teacher strikes in 2024, but will Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2025?
No Illinois teacher strikes in 2024, but will Chicago Teachers Union strike in 2025?
After going on strike 63 times in the previous 13 years, Illinois teachers unions gave families a break and didn’t walk out on students in 2024. But the Chicago Teachers Union may change that soon.
Greater Chicago hit hard as Illinois sees 2,342 mass layoffs in January
Greater Chicago hit hard as Illinois sees 2,342 mass layoffs in January
Illinois companies announced 2,342 mass layoffs in January 2025, according to state reports. More than 9-in-10 job cuts impacted Cook and the collar counties.
Chicago Teachers Union moves one step closer to going on strike
Chicago Teachers Union moves one step closer to going on strike
The Chicago Teachers Union rejected recommendations from a neutral factfinder. The union will be free to strike after the report is public for 30 days and the union gives 10 days’ notice of striking.
Chicago Teachers Union favorability down to 29% amidst potential strike
Chicago Teachers Union favorability down to 29% amidst potential strike
New polling shows 3-in-5 Chicago voters have an unfavorable view of the Chicago Teachers Union. More than 55% said they would be less likely to vote for someone who accepts CTU donations.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval drops to 14%, unfavorable reaches 80%
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval drops to 14%, unfavorable reaches 80%
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval rating is down to 14%, the lowest in Chicago mayoral history. Nearly 80% of those polled hold an unfavorable view of Johnson.
What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April
What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April
The Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools entered the “fact finding” phase of negotiations in January 2025. Here’s what that means, whether Chicago students might be out of class, when and what it all could do to taxpayers.
Madigan collects $158K while facing federal corruption trial in Chicago
Madigan collects $158K while facing federal corruption trial in Chicago
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan collected a pension worth $158,000 in 2024 while facing a federal corruption trial in Chicago. Depending on the verdict, taxpayers could be on the hook for another $1 million to cover his remaining benefits.
Chicago violent crime trends up as arrests trend down
Chicago violent crime trends up as arrests trend down
Chicago residents reported 28,443 violent crimes during 2024. Attacks and threats were both up, with aggravated assaults hitting a 20-year high.
3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes
3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes
Chicago might have just avoided a property tax hike, but city leaders couldn’t figure out how to pass the 2025 budget without other tax and fee increases. Here’s what the city should do to avoid repeating the same budgeting mistakes next year.
Vallas: What new school board members should know about Chicago Public Schools
Vallas: What new school board members should know about Chicago Public Schools
Chicago’s first elected school board was just sworn into office. Here’s what members should know about what the Chicago Teachers Union has done to damage Chicago Public Schools and the city’s children, plus eight steps to undo the damage.
Proposed law would let Chicagoans recall Mayor Johnson in special election
Proposed law would let Chicagoans recall Mayor Johnson in special election
House Bill 1084 would provide relief to the 70% of voters disapproving of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson by creating a process to recall the mayor.