A real estate investment deal arranged by a firm that employed former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s nephew has dealt a blow to Chicago’s cash-strapped pension funds, underscoring the need for a 401(k)-style alternative.

TAGS: Chicago, Daley, investment, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions

Rauner signs bill lifting ban on industrial hemp

By Vincent Caruso

08/27/2018

The Industrial Hemp Act will plant the seeds for the growth of commercial hemp production across Illinois.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, hemp, jobs, marijuana, Tim Butler, Toi Hutchinson

Chicago-area water district official resigns without explanation, collects $95K severance package

By Eddie Damstra

07/26/2018

David St. Pierre is the latest Illinois government employee to receive a generous severance package, despite leaving under questionable circumstances.

TAGS: David St. Pierre, golden parachute, MWRD: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, salaries

Rahm’s proposal would push Chicago Airbnb taxes above 23 percent

By Eddie Damstra

06/17/2018

The mayor’s proposed 2 percent fee would punish short-term rental customers and providers.

TAGS: Airbnb, budget, Chicago, homesharing, Rahm Emanuel, sharing economy, taxes

Inspector general: Personnel, procedural errors cost Cook County hospital system $165 million in revenue

By Eric Kohn

05/18/2018

While the county hospital system loses out on revenue, county payroll and retirement costs continue to climb.

TAGS: Cook County, Cook County Health and Hospitals system, municipal pensions, pensions, Toni Preckwinkle

Chicago Sun-Times article on Illinois Policy Institute CEO riddled with errors, mischaracterizations

By illinoispolicy

05/14/2018

In a changing media landscape, it’s important that legacy media players like the Sun-Times live up to the tradition of journalistic excellence. Sadly, they failed in this article.

TAGS: Chicago Sun-Times, ProPublica

Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party

By Austin Berg

04/23/2018

The longtime House speaker is the only state legislative leader in the nation to also serve as a party chairman.

TAGS: Democrats, house rules, Mike Madigan

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago City Council passes e-cigarette tax hike

Lawsuit claims Chicago red-light cameras violate state law

Rahm to push e-cigarette ‘sin tax’ hike, product restrictions

High-risk real estate investments cost Chicago pension funds $54M, win fund managers $9M

Rauner signs bill lifting ban on industrial hemp

Chicago-area water district official resigns without explanation, collects $95K severance package

Rahm’s proposal would push Chicago Airbnb taxes above 23 percent

Inspector general: Personnel, procedural errors cost Cook County hospital system $165 million in revenue

Chicago Sun-Times article on Illinois Policy Institute CEO riddled with errors, mischaracterizations

Madigan re-elected chairman of Illinois Democratic Party

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