Research Reports

Above the law: Amendment 1 would let government unions void over 350 Illinois laws

Amendment 1 would allow government unions to nullify hundreds of Illinois statutes – including laws aimed at protecting school children – simply by contradicting them in union contracts.

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Illinois Forward 2023: Only pension, budget reform can save taxpayers when federal aid ends

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The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery

Illinois’ economy was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but 2021 was supposed to be a year of recovery. Unfortunately, the policy climate continues to be the state’s biggest liability despite high vaccination rates, great natural endowments, a talented workforce, a large financial sector and a growing tech industry. While Illinois boasts a younger, more highly…

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Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential…

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3 problems with Lightfoot’s Chicago budget, starting with an unnecessary property tax hike

The mayor’s Chicago budget plan includes a $76.5 million property tax hike despite $3.5 billion in federal aid and funds permanent programs with temporary revenues but includes no push to fix pensions.

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Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

Classrooms First Act would benefit virtually all Illinoisans including teachers, parents and students.

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Here’s how IEA, NEA unions said they spent teachers’ money in 2020

The Illinois Education Association and National Education Association filed federal reports showing how they spent money in 2020. Little was spent on what most assume is a teachers union’s central mission – representing teachers.

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How does your teachers union spend money? Here’s what AFT, IFT reported in 2020

The Illinois Federation of Teachers and National Federation of Teachers filed federal reports showing how they spent money in 2020. Little was spent on what most assume is a teachers union’s central mission – representing teachers.

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Pritzker’s economic record: Weak labor market, widening racial gaps

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said his reelection campaign will focus on his record of protecting people and their jobs. A close look at that record shows Illinois with worse employment prospects and greater racial disparities than the rest of the U.S.