Pritzker pushes cash to keep teachers in Illinois schools

By Dylan Sharkey

03/17/2023

Gov. J.B. Pritzker introduced a Teacher Pipeline Grant Program to address teacher vacancies, but getting more money into classrooms rather than it chasing retirement debt is a better solution.

TAGS: Governor Pritzker

Why ‘temporary’ income tax hike, retirement tax won’t fix Illinois pensions

By Justin Carlson

02/24/2023

A Chicago civic group suggests either increasing the state’s personal and corporate income taxes for 10 years or implementing a retirement tax to help pay for the state’s worst-in-the-nation pension debt. Here are the problems with that plan.

Pritzker proposes $440 million for young child initiatives

By Dylan Sharkey

02/15/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to spend $440 million for universal preschool and other initiatives for low-income young children. But shouldn’t Illinois pay its old bills before taking on new expenses?

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize

By Mailee Smith

02/11/2023

Chicago Public Schools principals already make nearly 30% more than their peers in the rest of the state. A newly signed law allows them to unionize and push for even more.

TAGS: government unions

Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections

By Dylan Sharkey

02/10/2023

Illinois lawmakers are considering granting noncitizens the right to vote in school board elections if their children are in the school district. Registering to vote would come with a warning about possible risks under U.S. immigration law.

How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

02/10/2023

Before deciding who best can lead Chicago through its financial problems, it helps to understand what those problems are. Here’s a primer.

TAGS: budget, Chicago, pensions

Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/09/2023

Illinoisans shopping for Valentine’s Day will pay the highest sales tax in the Midwest and eighth-highest in the nation.

TAGS: sales tax

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

Constitution of Illinois

Pritzker pushes cash to keep teachers in Illinois schools

Why ‘temporary’ income tax hike, retirement tax won’t fix Illinois pensions

Pritzker proposes $440 million for young child initiatives

Pritzker signs bill allowing Chicago Public Schools principals to unionize

Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections

How Chicago’s pension crisis drives high taxes, fiscal turmoil

Illinois shoppers pay highest sales tax in Midwest, 8th in nation

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

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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