No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work

By Lauren Zuar

05/28/2025

A new Chicago ordinance will remove college degree requirements for most city jobs. The measure breaks down employment barriers for disadvantaged groups and opens new pathways to prosperity.

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

Why Chicago Teachers Union’s $7.3B tax hike will hurt all of Illinois

By Bryce Hill

05/15/2025

The Illinois Revenue Alliance, a group which includes the Chicago Teachers Union, has released a proposal to impose nine tax increases and hike statewide taxes by $7.3 billion annually. Some of CTU’s ideas are likely illegal and tax all Illinoisans for the union’s excesses.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

High school financial literacy course can reduce Illinois poverty

By Chris Coffey

05/15/2025

Research shows financial literacy boosts economic opportunity. The success of the University of Chicago’s FinEDge program shows it should be expanded.

Scandal recap: Stacy Davis Gates’ leadership of Chicago Teachers Union

By Hannah Schmid

05/12/2025

Chicago Teachers Union members have reason to question the leadership of President Stacy Davis Gates heading into the May 16 union election. Her many scandals have driven down the union’s reputation.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

Teacher pension ‘pickup’ costs boost burden on Illinois taxpayers

By LyLena Estabine

05/12/2025

Illinois teachers are required to contribute 9% of their salary toward pensions, but many school districts “pick up” this cost – putting the pension burden on taxpayers.

Chicago schools property taxes up 62% in 15 years

By Patrick Andriesen

05/06/2025

The median Chicago residence paid $2,059 in property taxes just to support Chicago Public Schools in 2024, 62% more than they paid 15 years ago. More than half of a Chicago homeowners’ property tax bill now goes to CPS.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, property taxes

Chicago Teachers Union contract will create nearly $1B fiscal cliff for schools

By Bryce Hill

05/02/2025

Chicago Public Schools was already projecting annual budget deficits in excess of $500 million in coming years. The new Chicago Teachers Union contract costs will grow the deficit to nearly $1 billion

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago’s pension debt being fueled by heavy, growing interest

By LyLena Estabine

04/30/2025

With $18.5 billion of the city’s $52.4 billion shortfall driven by interest on pension debt, it’s clear Illinois’ largest city needs the state to pass constitutional pension reform.

Chicago Public Schools hits taxpayers twice with pension pickups

By LyLena Estabine

04/29/2025

Chicago Public Schools teachers hired before 2017 only pay 2% of the required employee contribution for their pensions. The other 7% is picked up by the district, costing $135 million in 2025.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Chicago Public Schools

No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

Why Chicago Teachers Union’s $7.3B tax hike will hurt all of Illinois

High school financial literacy course can reduce Illinois poverty

Scandal recap: Stacy Davis Gates’ leadership of Chicago Teachers Union

Teacher pension ‘pickup’ costs boost burden on Illinois taxpayers

Chicago schools property taxes up 62% in 15 years

Chicago Teachers Union contract will create nearly $1B fiscal cliff for schools

Chicago’s pension debt being fueled by heavy, growing interest

Chicago Public Schools hits taxpayers twice with pension pickups

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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