Pritzker signs tax law deeming some of Chicago’s most valuable property ‘blighted’

By Ben Szalinski

07/06/2020

Chicago leaders have been unable to finish developing valuable land after 23 years and $331 million in taxes, but convinced state leaders more time and money were needed.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes, TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino

By Ben Szalinski

07/03/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers agree that when taxes are too high, not even a casino in the heart of Chicago can make money.

TAGS: casino, Chicago, gaming

Nonunion Chicago educators sue CTU, AFT to end forced union dues

By Vincent Caruso

05/07/2020

While members can opt out of CTU at any time, the union says they may only stop paying the union if they do so during a one-month period. A lawsuit filed against the union argues this violates teachers’ First Amendment rights.

TAGS: AFT: American Federation of Teachers, Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, government unions, Janus v. AFSCME

Chicago needs a ‘wartime budget’ to face the COVID-19 crisis

By Adam Schuster, Ben Szalinski

04/28/2020

City leaders must prioritize critical spending – and avoid hiking taxes on a struggling economy.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, credit rating, emergency, Lori Lightfoot, pensions

Gas taxes nearly equal to cost of gas in Illinois

By Brad Weisenstein

04/23/2020

Illinois’ taxes and fees on gasoline keep the pump price high, even when oil producers are paying for someone to take excess crude. The state gas tax is set to rise again in July.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, gas tax, JB Pritzker

Silence: Chicago in the age of COVID

By illinoispolicy

04/03/2020

Our team wanted to give you a look at the harsh reality of life in downtown Chicago during the COVID-19 crisis.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19

Proposal would cut pay for Chicago politicians to fund coronavirus response

By Austin Berg

03/24/2020

One Chicago alderman is calling for the city’s 53 elected officials to forfeit their six-figure salaries for 15 days.

TAGS: Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, lawmaker pay, Ray Lopez

Chicago mayor halts fines, fees for minor traffic tickets amid coronavirus pandemic

By Vincent Caruso

03/20/2020

The city of Chicago has temporarily relaxed its controversial ticketing and towing scheme, as residents face worsening financial uncertainty in the midst of a global public health crisis.

TAGS: booting, Chicago, coronavirus, COVID-19, Lori Lightfoot, parking violations, towing

Fired Chicago Police superintendent receiving nearly $200K pension

By Ben Szalinski

02/26/2020

Eddie Johnson was fired before his scheduled retirement after he was found asleep behind the wheel. He blamed medication. Video showed him drinking.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, Eddie Johnson, Laquan McDonald, Lori Lightfoot, police pensions, public safety

Blagojevich comes home to America’s most corrupt city

By Ben Szalinski

02/26/2020

Chicago and the state of Illinois are notorious around the country for high-profile corruption convictions. Rod Blagojevich settles back in after the former governor’s imprisonment for corruption.

TAGS: Chicago, conflict of interest, conviction, Cook County, cooling off period, corruption, ethics, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jeff Tobolski, lobbying, Martin Sandoval, Patrick Doherty, prison, red light cameras, revolving door, Rod Blagojevich, SafeSpeed, watchdog

To prevent political bribery in Illinois, change the House Rules

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s power over Illinois politics is more precarious than ever. A steady stream of federal investigations, wiretaps and raids of people close to him, a deferred prosecution agreement with Commonwealth Edison wherein the utility giant admitted to bribing the speaker, and a grand jury subpoena served to Madigan’s office have led...

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To prevent political bribery in Illinois, change the House Rules

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Craig Richardson: Batter & Berries

Policy lessons from Illinois’ exodus of people and money

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