Chicago has more public pension debt than 43 states

By Ravi Mishra

08/15/2024

Chicago’s pension systems for city workers have $51 billion in debt, so much that they are in worse shape than 43 states. Fixing them requires Chicago’s mayor to push for a change in the Illinois Constitution.

TAGS: Chicago, pensions

How much were property taxes in your Illinois county?

By Brad Weisenstein

08/01/2024

See how much the median property tax bill was in your county. See how it compared with other Illinois counties.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions, property taxes

Taxpayer advocates push fixes for Chicago’s massive pension debt

By Jess Plowman

01/10/2024

At a press conference, a new alliance said failure to address Chicago’s pension problems will threaten public services, fail retirees and push taxes higher so more people are encouraged to leave Illinois.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago, pensions

Chicago can fix pensions but needs taxpayer voices – not just their money

By Josh Bandoch

01/10/2024

Chicago's public pension crisis is the target of a new group called the Taxpayer Pension Alliance, which includes the Illinois Policy Institute. The alliance's launch included this statement by the institute's head of policy.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago, pensions

Report: Illinois, Chicago public pension crises worst in U.S.

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

07/19/2023

Illinois state and local pension debt now tallies $218 billion with both debt to GDP and funding ratios the worst in the nation, according to a new Equable Institute report.

TAGS: pensions

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

How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

02/10/2023

Before deciding who best can lead Chicago through its financial problems, it helps to understand what those problems are. Here’s a primer.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, pensions

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2023

The typical career state worker collected $82,478 in annual pension benefits, recouping more income in 17 months of retirement than they contributed over 35 years. Working Illinoisans only earned $59,650 a year.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions

Lightfoot 2nd Chicago mayor to call on Springfield for pension reform

By Patrick Andriesen

01/31/2023

Just like Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel did late in his term, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is calling for public pension reforms. Pensions are damaging cities, she said.

TAGS: Chicago, pensions

Illinois families spend 3rd-highest in nation on government pensions

By Patrick Andriesen

01/09/2023

The typical career state pensioner earns more in retirement than Illinoisans do working. Households now pay over three times more than they did nearly two decades ago to cover the costs.

TAGS: government unions, Illinois, pensions

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their heads. Housing affordability problems...

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Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

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Shenita Muse

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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