Amendment would allow Illinoisans to recall state leaders, local politicians

By Dylan Sharkey

01/22/2025

Illinoisans would have the chance to recall state and local politicians under a proposal in Springfield.

3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

01/20/2025

Chicago might have just avoided a property tax hike, but city leaders couldn’t figure out how to pass the 2025 budget without other tax and fee increases. Here’s what the city should do to avoid repeating the same budgeting mistakes next year.

TAGS: Chicago

How government unions work against interests of private-sector unions, taxpayers

By Mailee Smith

01/08/2025

Government unions posed threats to public welfare that were recognized by founders of the labor movement and by progressive icon Franklin D. Roosevelt. Those threats have become reality, with government union power dominating – especially in Illinois.

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

By Bryce Hill

12/17/2024

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.

Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B

By LyLena Estabine

12/16/2024

Illinois' unfunded statewide public pension liabilities grew another $1.5 billion in the past year. Better investment returns couldn’t keep up with public worker pensions growing faster than projected.

Chicago leaders can still fix runaway budget, tax hikes

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

12/13/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson failed to rally the votes for a record $17.3 billion budget imposing $68.5 million in property tax hikes. City leaders have another chance to fix the budget. Here’s how they can do it.

1,400% property tax hikes in Montgomery County on hold

By Dylan Sharkey

12/03/2024

Montgomery County notified some residents they will not be facing 1,400% property tax hikes as originally planned. The sticker shock stemmed from a 2007 law.

TAGS: Montgomery County, property taxes

Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform

By Dylan Sharkey

11/27/2024

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said state lawmakers need to step in and help fix public pensions. Pension debt is the biggest driver of Illinois’ property taxes, which are the second-highest in the nation.

TAGS: pension reform

Chicago slashes 2,103 public safety jobs as it adds 184 administrators

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

11/22/2024

Chicago’s 2025 budget has a nearly $1 billion hole. Mayor Brandon Johnson has only proposed tax hikes. But when personnel eats over two-thirds of the budget, the city must be smart about freezes and cuts without making public safety even worse.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department

Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform

By LyLena Estabine

11/14/2024

Illinois is at risk of getting in costly trouble with the federal government over its Tier 2 public employee retirement benefits. Here’s a solution that doesn’t make the state’s monstrous public pension debt even worse.

Constitution of Illinois

Amendment would allow Illinoisans to recall state leaders, local politicians

3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes

How government unions work against interests of private-sector unions, taxpayers

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Illinois state pension debt climbs to $144B

Chicago leaders can still fix runaway budget, tax hikes

1,400% property tax hikes in Montgomery County on hold

Suburban Chicago mayor calls for pension reform

Chicago slashes 2,103 public safety jobs as it adds 184 administrators

Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform

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