Illinois pensioners earn nearly $25K more retired than those working to support them

By Patrick Andriesen

06/26/2025

The average retired career state employee in Illinois was paid $93,558 in pension benefits last year. That’s $24,538 more than the average Illinoisan working to pay for those retirees.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, pensions, taxes

Over 1 in 3 Illinois government workers reject AFSCME Council 31 membership

By Mailee Smith

04/21/2025

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ questionable spending, as revealed in its own federal reporting, could be driving members away from the union.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Taxpayers’ pay over 2X rate Illinois workers pay for health insurance

By FJ Hilgart

04/16/2025

A current union-negotiated contract with Illinois state government gives out-of-the-norm health benefits to government workers at very low cost. State workers’ share is far less than what private-sector taxpayers must spend for health coverage.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Nearly 40% of Illinois government workers reject AFSCME membership

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

06/19/2024

The union’s federal reports show the union has suffered membership loss during the past two decades. It could be because the union’s spending priorities are completely misplaced.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Illinois still hasn’t finalized contract with state workers

By Mailee Smith

12/14/2023

The contract negotiated between the state and AFSCME Council 31 was ratified by members in July. But the final contract has yet to be released, meaning taxpayers don’t yet know how much it will cost them.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Pritzker Doles Out 19% Raises and $1,200 Stipend in Largest AFSCME Contract Ever

By Bryce Hill

08/08/2023

Illinois’ largest public employee union, AFSCME Council 31, finalized their second contract with Gov. J.B. Pritzker July 25. New pay raises will cost taxpayers $625 million.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, JB Pritzker

Pensions put Illinois’ 2024 budget in red by over $4B

By Bryce Hill

05/27/2023

Illinois state lawmakers shorted pensions by $4.1 billion and killed scholarships for low-income students, but gave themselves pay raises and a new office building. Their budget leaves no room for error as revenue projections drop.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, budget, pensions

Former AFSCME boss admits to embezzling $200,000 in union dues

By Patrick Andriesen

04/14/2023

A former Alton labor union president pleaded guilty to transporting thousands of dollars in stolen member dues across state lines to gamble and pay for personal expenses.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Nearly 1 in 5 leave Illinois government union since getting a choice

By Mailee Smith

04/13/2023

AFSCME Council 31’s own federal reports show 18.5% of workers have chosen to break away since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME. It could be because less than 21% of the union’s spending is on representing its members.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

AFSCME puts $100K into campaign guaranteeing $2,100 property tax hike

By Mailee Smith

07/07/2022

Illinois’ largest state worker union has a long history of demanding higher taxes. Now AFSCME is funding a state constitutional amendment campaign that will hike property taxes statewide.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, Amendment 1, property taxes

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students