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Feds targeted these Illinois politicians for corruption in 2022

By Dylan Sharkey
12/26/2022
Illinois saw more than its fair share of corruption and misconduct again in 2022, but some politicians stood out in a crowded field.

TAGS: corruption, Illinois

Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes

By Patrick Andriesen
11/15/2022
Chicago’s second-longest serving alderman is seeking a stay of prosecution on federal bribery charges, arguing she is “not medically fit to stand trial.” The plea comes eight days after Ald. Carrie Austin voted on the council floor to approve the city budget.

TAGS: Chicago City Council, corruption

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

11/03/2022
On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.

TAGS: Cook County assessor, corruption, Shakman decrees

Pritzker blind trust companies hold $20 billion in state contracts

By Dylan Sharkey
09/01/2022
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s blind trust of investments includes 12 different companies with $20 billion in state contracts since he took office.

TAGS: corruption, JB Pritzker

How to get more than your fair share from an Illinois pension

By Justin Carlson
08/05/2022
Illinois offers generous pensions to public workers, but some workers engage in legal schemes that give them more than their fair share. Here are some common Illinois pension games that taxpayers are forced to fund.

TAGS: corruption, pension reform, pensions

Disgraced Illinois lawmaker collected $130K pension while awaiting prison sentence

By Patrick Andriesen
06/02/2022
The former Illinois House assistant majority leader received a taxpayer-funded pension worth $129,000 between his retirement in 2019 after being arrested for bribery by federal authorities and his conviction in 2022.

TAGS: corruption, Luis Arroyo, pensions

Former state Rep. Luis Arroyo gets 57 months for bribery scheme

By Patrick Andriesen
05/26/2022
The former Illinois House assistant majority leader now faces nearly 5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to accepting and soliciting bribes to expand sweepstakes gambling legislation in Springfield.

TAGS: bribery, corruption, gambling, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly

Chicago-area mayor guilty in red light camera bribery scheme

By Dylan Sharkey
05/23/2022
Oakbrook Terrace’s former mayor pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges related to red light cameras and faces up to five years in prison. The state recently shut off the cameras.

TAGS: corruption, Oakbrook Terrace, red light cameras

Madigan joked about ComEd bribes while in office

By Dylan Sharkey
05/23/2022
FBI recordings revealed new details about indicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his scheme to exchange political favors for patronage appointments. He made a joke out of it.

TAGS: corruption, Mike Madigan

Chicago ex-alderman charged with bribery might keep pension

By Justin Carlson
04/22/2022
Ex-Alderman Danny Solis handed federal prosecutors the top politicians in Chicago and the Statehouse to get out of bribery charges. His deal could let him keep his pension – a ploy too common in Illinois as voters consider Amendment 1’s potential for protecting pension abuse.

TAGS: Chicago, corruption, Danny Solis, pensions

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Pensions / Research Report

Fixing Illinois pension crisis by amending nation’s most-restrictive pension law is legal, effective


Illinois is home to one of the worst pension crises in the country.1 At 39% funded, according to the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts, Illinois has the worst pension funding ratio of any state.2 By contrast, neighboring Wisconsin’s pension system is 103% funded.3 In fiscal year 2022, Illinois’ total gen­eral funds pension costs, includ­ing pension bond...

View Report

Report Archive

Jobs + Growth / Your Story

Cathy Stuehmeier

Labor / Policy Point

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

By Paul Kersey
06/19/2014
Illinois Policy In the News

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

By Ted Dabrowski
05/02/2016

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