Taxpayer advocates push fixes for Chicago’s massive pension debt

By Jess Plowman

01/10/2024

At a press conference, a new alliance said failure to address Chicago’s pension problems will threaten public services, fail retirees and push taxes higher so more people are encouraged to leave Illinois.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago, pensions

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

By Paul Vallas

09/19/2023

The SAFE-T Act could make it too hard for Chicago to detain offenders. Residents can’t afford that when the city is already amid a violent crime surge. Chicago leaders should use home rule powers to create a city public safety act.

TAGS: crime

Lawsuit filed over Illinois mandating all constitutional challenges be filed in just 2 counties

By Joe Tabor

09/07/2023

The law would limit the venue for state constitutional claims to Cook or Sangamon counties. Downstate residents are suing because judges they aren’t allowed to elect will hear cases.

What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?

By Joe Tabor

08/24/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago

Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18

By Dylan Sharkey

07/18/2023

Illinois will become the first state to eliminate cash bail. The Illinois Supreme Court on July 18 upheld the Pretrial Fairness Act, ruling it doesn’t violate the Illinois Constitution.

TAGS: cash bail, Illinois Supreme Court

Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax

By Dylan Sharkey

07/17/2023

Illinois is on pace for four new casinos in 2023, but the state’s tax payout from video gambling in local bars and restaurants remains a much bigger win.

TAGS: gambling

Union control: 9 of 10 Illinois lawmakers have received money from unions

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

07/06/2023

Current lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly have received $60.2 million in contributions from unions since 2010. Most of that cash went to Democrats.

TAGS: unions

Illinois lawmakers get $4,250 raise just months after $12,000 raise

By Justin Carlson

06/29/2023

Illinois state lawmakers had tried to bump their pay by 5.5%, but that violated the state constitution. The must settle for 5%, meaning they will make nearly $90,000 a year.

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2023

Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.

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

Constitution of Illinois

Taxpayer advocates push fixes for Chicago’s massive pension debt

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

Lawsuit filed over Illinois mandating all constitutional challenges be filed in just 2 counties

What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?

Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18

Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax

Union control: 9 of 10 Illinois lawmakers have received money from unions

Illinois lawmakers get $4,250 raise just months after $12,000 raise

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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