Amendment 1 vote too close to call

By Dylan Sharkey

11/09/2022

Votes were still being counted on Amendment 1, but the vote was very close. If approved, the change to the Illinois Constitution would expand collective bargaining powers just for government unions.

TAGS: Amendment 1, labor, property taxes

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

11/03/2022

On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.

TAGS: Cook County assessor, corruption, Shakman decrees

5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1

By Patrick Andriesen

11/03/2022

The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and News-Gazette all said voters should say ‘no’ to Amendment 1. They see it as giving government unions power to force higher taxes and weaker laws.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.

By Brad Weisenstein

11/03/2022

Nothing about property taxes in Amendment 1? There’s nothing about the cost in most of what Illinois politicians pass, but there’s usually a surprise for taxpayers hidden somewhere.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

11/02/2022

Crain’s Chicago Business’ editorial board is endorsing a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. Two Crain’s columnists did so, also, because of the unchecked power it would grant government unions.

TAGS: workers rights amendment

Busting 3 myths in the ‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ ads

By Mailee Smith

11/02/2022

Down to the wire, and three myths are still being pushed by 'Workers' Rights Amendment' advocates. Affects all workers? False. Other states do it? False. Won't increase property taxes? False.

TAGS: workers rights amendment

Prominent Chicago Democrat comes out against Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

10/28/2022

Former Democratic Chicago Ald. Michele Smith said she recommends a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. She said the Illinois Constitution doesn’t need another restriction to keep state lawmakers from fixing the state.

Don’t give power over your taxes to some big government union bosses

By Brad Weisenstein

10/27/2022

Illinois voters are faced with a change to the Illinois Constitution that would give government union bosses the power to essentially decide how high taxes should go. That’s not how democracy should work.

TAGS: Amendment 1, government unions

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

By Mailee Smith

10/10/2022

Proponents of Amendment 1 claim it applies to all workers, mimics other state constitutions and would help the economy. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong.

TAGS: Amendment 1, workers rights

Fact check: Private sector workers excluded from Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

10/06/2022

Despite proponents’ claims, the rights outlined in Amendment 1 cannot apply to non-government employees. U.S. Supreme Court precedent already makes that clear. So did the proposal’s Illinois Senate sponsor.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Chicago Tribune

Amendment 1 vote too close to call

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1

Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

Busting 3 myths in the ‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ ads

Prominent Chicago Democrat comes out against Amendment 1

Don’t give power over your taxes to some big government union bosses

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

Fact check: Private sector workers excluded from 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