Welch, Harmon get millions from teachers unions before blocking school choice for poor kids

By Mailee Smith

06/16/2023

It’s a simple choice for Illinois’ top legislative leaders this fall: listen to the over $1 million each got in campaign cash from teachers unions, or back the futures of 9,600 low-income students with a tax credit that is barely a blip in the $50 billion state budget.

TAGS: Invest in Kids, teachers union

Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying

By Dylan Sharkey

06/15/2023

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill giving teachers 10 paid days off for union advocacy if elected to union leadership positions.

TAGS: teachers union

California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

06/13/2023

Illinois labor leaders claimed their push to enshrine public union supremacy in the Illinois Constitution was the “blueprint” for other states. Now both California and Pennsylvania are following Illinois’ lead.

TAGS: Amendment 1

CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union pours money into political campaigns, but that isn’t all. It also pressures lawmakers to abide by its legislative agenda. It’s a one-two political punch: helping elect lawmakers and then telling them what to do.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget

By Dylan Sharkey

05/26/2023

The Illinois General Assembly is poised to pass a budget without extending the Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program, which allows 9,000 low-income students to attend a school of their choice. The program expires Dec. 31.

TAGS: Invest in Kids

Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team

By Dylan Sharkey

05/23/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cabinet includes staff from the Chicago Teachers Union and Service Employees International Union.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Johnson makes union labor a Chicago priority

By Dylan Sharkey

05/18/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has created a new deputy mayor position for labor relations, but the job description is about boosting labor power rather than fostering relations and safeguarding taxpayers.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office

By Dylan Sharkey

05/17/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is starting his administration with four executive orders, expanding youth employment and adding three new deputy mayors for immigration, labor and community safety.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

05/12/2023

Former Cook County Commissioner and Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Brandon Johnson will be sworn in as the 57th mayor of Chicago May 15. Here’s what Chicagoans should know about his political ties, policy proposals and prospects.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

05/04/2023

Pennsylvania’s House Bill 950 is worded exactly like Illinois’ Amendment 1. Illinois labor leaders recently claimed Illinois’ amendment is the “blueprint” for other states, such as Pennsylvania.

Chicago Teachers Union

Welch, Harmon get millions from teachers unions before blocking school choice for poor kids

Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying

California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions

Lawmakers scrap scholarship program for 9,000 working class families in new budget

Brandon Johnson appoints Chicago Teachers Union leader to transition team

Johnson makes union labor a Chicago priority

Brandon Johnson issues 4 executive orders on 1st day in office

What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago

Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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