Here’s a to-do list for Chicago mayoral candidates

By Joe Tabor, Bryce Hill, Mailee Smith

02/03/2023

Voters will decide the Chicago mayor’s race shortly. Here are the issues and policies the candidates should champion if they want a more prosperous and vibrant city.

TAGS: Chicago, election

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

By Patrick Andriesen

02/01/2023

The typical career state worker collected $82,478 in annual pension benefits, recouping more income in 17 months of retirement than they contributed over 35 years. Working Illinoisans only earned $59,650 a year.

TAGS: Illinois, pensions

Lightfoot 2nd Chicago mayor to call on Springfield for pension reform

By Patrick Andriesen

01/31/2023

Just like Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel did late in his term, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is calling for public pension reforms. Pensions are damaging cities, she said.

TAGS: Chicago, pensions

Flashback: What Illinois lawmaker’s progressive tax plan looked like 5 years ago

By Bryce Hill

01/19/2023

Here's what the progressive tax looked like nearly five years ago when state lawmakers were pushing a plan to tax Illinoisans $3.6 billion more, starting with those making $17,300.

TAGS: fair tax, progressive income tax, taxes

4 steps to rid Illinois Statehouse of Madigan’s corrupt legacy

By Joe Tabor

01/19/2023

Now that the 103rd Illinois General Assembly is sworn in, an early order of business will be to establish the rules of the chambers. Those rules need more reform to ensure another Mike Madigan doesn’t gather too much power.

TAGS: house rules, Mike Madigan

Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving

By Dylan Sharkey

01/18/2023

Illinois is the second-most popular state to leave based on a survey of movers by United Van Lines. Illinois has also experienced nine straight years of population loss.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration

Illinois state senator pushing progressive tax voters rejected

By Dylan Sharkey

01/18/2023

An Illinois state senator is reviving an effort to change Illinois’ income tax structure from a flat tax, even though voters soundly defeated the change in 2020. Expect higher taxes, retirement taxes if he gets his way.

TAGS: Illinois, progressive income tax

Illinois House bill would give more power to Chicago Public Schools unions

By Mailee Smith

01/10/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union has already created havoc for kids and parents in Chicago Public Schools, with 5 work stoppages in the past 11 years. Now lawmakers are giving principals and other employees union powers, creating more potential instability for students and parents.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools

SAFE-T Act’s end to cash bail paused by Illinois Supreme Court

By Patrick Andriesen

01/02/2023

The Illinois Supreme Court stayed a provision of the SAFE-T Act set to take effect Jan. 1 that would have eliminated cash bail statewide after a county judge ruled it would violate the state constitution. The high court said it planned an “expedited” review.

TAGS: SAFE-T Act

What’s next for Amendment 1?

By Mailee Smith

12/26/2022

Now that the Illinois Constitution has been amended to expand government union power, residents can expect to see costly government union demands, increased taxes and litigation to clarify its vague language.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Constitution of Illinois

Here’s a to-do list for Chicago mayoral candidates

State retirees get nearly 40% more than what working Illinoisans earn

Lightfoot 2nd Chicago mayor to call on Springfield for pension reform

Flashback: What Illinois lawmaker’s progressive tax plan looked like 5 years ago

4 steps to rid Illinois Statehouse of Madigan’s corrupt legacy

Survey: Illinois 2nd in U.S. for residents leaving

Illinois state senator pushing progressive tax voters rejected

Illinois House bill would give more power to Chicago Public Schools unions

SAFE-T Act’s end to cash bail paused by Illinois Supreme Court

What’s next for Amendment 1?

Fighting poverty with employment: Chicago block clubs

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