Unions spend nearly $5M to push property tax hikes through Amendment 1

By Hannah Max

06/27/2022

The majority of the support for a constitutional amendment that would raise taxes on Illinoisans comes from union coffers, with nearly $5 million donated so far. Unions also funded the failed progressive tax push in 2020.

TAGS: Amendment 1, government unions, tax hikes, taxes, unions

What Illinois businesses need to know about Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

06/10/2022

Amendment 1 would enshrine permanent power for public unions in the state constitution which could mean higher taxes, higher costs, and potentially costly litigation for business owners.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois, unions, workers rights

Unintended consequences: Amendment 1 could allow prisoners to unionize

By Amy Korte

06/09/2022

There’s been a 50-year national push to unionize inmate workers in prisons – including a 2020 article published by Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. The rights granted in Amendment 1 to all “employees” could result in Illinois prison unions.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois, prison, unions

How Amendment 1 could give Illinois more arsonists as fire chiefs

By Perry Zhao

05/24/2022

An admitted arsonist was able to become a fire chief and part-time police officer thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s pardon. A proposed constitutional amendment could make it easier for violent felons to work in public safety – even without a pardon.

TAGS: Amendment 1, unions

Amendment 1 would permanently enshrine Madigan union deals in Illinois Constitution

By Dylan Sharkey

03/03/2022

Amendment 1 would permanently write indicted former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s public union deals into the state constitution. If passed, neither lawmakers nor voters could ever change them.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Mike Madigan, unions

Public labor unions push for more power over municipal, teacher pension funds

By Joe Tabor

10/25/2021

Bills backed by Illinois public-sector unions would give them more power in administering pension funds despite evidence of worse outcomes.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois, pensions, unions

Amendment 1 would give Illinois government union bosses nation’s most extreme powers

By Mailee Smith

10/22/2021

No other state constitutions guarantee unmitigated powers to government unions, and 28 state constitutions don’t even find a need to mention labor.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Illinois, strike, unions

Pritzker backs off COVID-19 vax deadline amid union opposition

By Dylan Sharkey

10/18/2021

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker couldn’t reach an agreement with the public employee unions representing workers in group settings, so he delayed the COVID-19 vaccination deadline until Nov. 30. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s vaccination fight with the police union escalates.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, Lori Lightfoot, unions, vaccine mandate

Illinois government unions kill chances for more school money, nurse prospects, police reforms

By Joe Tabor

07/07/2021

Unions put up roadblocks for bills that could have freed up more money for Illinois classrooms, expanded opportunities for Illinois health care workers and ensured police officers are subject to better accountability under state law.

TAGS: Nurse Licensure Compact, police misconduct, school district efficiency, unions

Illinois lawmakers got $15.1M before seeking constitutional power for union bosses

By Orphe Divounguy

06/18/2021

Illinois state lawmakers want voters to hand over Illinois’ economy to unions. Before voting for the measure, they received $15.1 million in campaign cash from those unions.

TAGS: constitutional amendment, right to work, unions