How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting

By Gerrin Alexander, Austin Berg, Jon Josko

03/26/2025

Disproportionate and low voter turnout presents challenges for municipal democracy nationwide. However, a straightforward reform acknowledged by scholars and policymakers – aligning the timing of municipal elections to coincide with general elections – offers a clear solution to enhance voter participation significantly. Research shows the timing of local elections influences voter turnout, which subsequently impacts...

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

04/06/2023

No other state’s constitution or labor laws are like Illinois’ – broadly allowing government unions to override statutes simply by negotiating contrary provisions into collective bargaining agreements. Illinois may not be alone for long.

Above the law: Amendment 1 would let government unions void over 350 Illinois laws

By Mailee Smith, Perry Zhao

04/05/2022

Amendment 1 would allow government unions to nullify hundreds of Illinois statutes – including laws aimed at protecting school children – simply by contradicting them in union contracts.

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2021

Illinois has a chance to fix its state finances, thanks to federal relief. But unless pension growth is brought under control, both retirees and taxpayers will be at risk as debt continues to consume state services.

Pritzker’s 19 different tax and fee hikes total $6.9 billion

By Adam Schuster

05/24/2019

Between the push for a graduated income tax, his budget address and newly released capital plan, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed an onslaught of backdoor tax hikes on all Illinoisans.

TAGS: cigarette tax, fair tax, gas tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, plastic bag tax, progressive income tax, sports betting, sports gambling, taxes, vehicle registration

Pritzker’s proposed tax and fee hikes on average Illinoisans total more than those on ‘the rich’

By Austin Berg

05/24/2019

The upward march of Illinois’ core cost drivers – pensions and government worker health insurance – cannot be paid for by tax hikes on small groups. Without reform, tax hike proposals on all Illinoisans will continue flowing from the Statehouse.

TAGS: cigarette tax, fair tax, gas tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, plastic bag tax, progressive income tax, taxes

Pritzker capital plan would double Illinois gas tax, hike vehicle registration fees, create new taxes on Uber and Netflix

By Austin Berg

05/17/2019

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office is using a major capital bill as a vehicle to grease lawmakers for a progressive income tax amendment. But the tax hikes to pay for it would make Illinoisans’ gas tax burden the second highest in the nation.

TAGS: alcohol tax, amusement tax, capital project, fair tax, gas tax, graduated income tax, income tax, JB Pritzker, Lyft, Netflix, progressive income tax, rideshare, satellite tax, streaming tax, Uber, vehicle registration

Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity

By Mailee Smith, Joe Tabor

11/01/2018

AFSCME Council 31, its PAC and AFSCME headquarters are major political players, funneling millions of dollars every year to Democrats or self-proclaimed progressive organizations.

Sunshine week reveals lack of election information on Illinois websites

By Chris Andriesen

03/16/2012

The week of March 11-17 is the annual “Sunshine Week” where good government groups across the country work “to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.” The Illinois Policy Institute supports Sunshine Week and works year round on promoting government transparency and accountability on the state and local levels. With...

Local Tax Hikes and Borrowing on the Ballot This Fall

09/14/2010

by Kristina Rasmussen A round up of local Illinois measures on the ballot this November 2 by Ballotpedia.org shows that local governments across the state are trying to hike taxes and borrow more money. Some examples, with individual summaries from Ballotpedia.org: Sangamon County sales tax hike. The tax would add one percent to the current sales tax rate in...

Ballotpedia

How Chicago’s election timing suppresses voting

How Illinois politicians allow government unions to rewrite state law

Above the law: Amendment 1 would let government unions void over 350 Illinois laws

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

Pritzker’s 19 different tax and fee hikes total $6.9 billion

Pritzker’s proposed tax and fee hikes on average Illinoisans total more than those on ‘the rich’

Pritzker capital plan would double Illinois gas tax, hike vehicle registration fees, create new taxes on Uber and Netflix

Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity

Sunshine week reveals lack of election information on Illinois websites

Local Tax Hikes and Borrowing on the Ballot This Fall

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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