Illinois parents, teachers sue to get unconstitutional union boost off ballot

04/21/2022

Amendment 1, billed as a “Workers' Rights Amendment,” actually covers so much more that it violates the U.S. Constitution. Parents and teachers worrying about it emboldening already militant teachers unions are suing to get it off the ballot.

TAGS: Amendment 1, government unions, Illinois Constitution, lawsuit

Illinois has been subject to Pritzker’s emergency powers for nearly 22 months. Where does this power come from?

By Joe Tabor

01/06/2022

Illinois’ emergency management statute grants the governor broad powers to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the General Assembly has shown no interest in amending it.

TAGS: COVID-19, emergency, JB Pritzker

Democrats’ legislative remap dilutes Illinois minority voting power, lawsuits claim

By Patrick Andriesen

12/10/2021

The plaintiffs representing Black and Latino voters argued Illinois Democrats’ new legislative maps are gerrymandered to break up voting blocs, diluting minority voting power during the next decade.

TAGS: gerrymandering, JB Pritzker, legislative map

Pritzker’s choice: Get COVID-19 shot, or lose your job

By Patrick Andriesen

11/08/2021

Gov. J.B. Pritzker just signed an amendment to the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, limiting the law used to challenge his COVID-19 vaccination and other mandates.

TAGS: COVID-19, JB Pritzker, vaccine mandate

Chicago had $41,100 in debt per taxpayer before COVID-19, second to New York

By Justin Carlson

02/11/2021

A new report from government finance watchdog Truth in Accounting gave the Windy City an “F” for financial health. Chicago’s massive $36 billion net debt stems primarily from pensions.

TAGS: Chicago, COVID-19, debt, pensions

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

By Joe Tabor

07/27/2020

In the case of an epidemic like COVID-19, Illinois governors are given a wide range of emergency powers for a limited period of time.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order, JB Pritzker

State legal memo: Illinois governor needs lawmakers’ approval before extending emergency powers

By Joe Tabor

05/18/2020

Amid a recent series of lawsuits, the 2001 informal opinion by the Illinois Attorney General’s office concludes the emergency powers granted a governor during a disaster cannot be extended beyond 30 days without legislative approval.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, emergency, executive order

Poll shows diverse support for Illinois pension reform

03/11/2020

Illinois Democrats, union members, government or nonprofit workers, and people of all income groups support a pension amendment that allows for changes in cost-of-living raises and other future benefits.

TAGS: constitutional amendment, Illinois Constitution, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, pensions

Repeal Day: Prohibition ended 86 years ago, but Illinois’ alcohol taxes, regulations remain sobering

By Vincent Caruso

12/05/2019

With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. Illinois, however, has continued to serve a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.

TAGS: alcohol tax, Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois, Bruce Rauner, capital plan, Chicago, craft beer, distillery, Hospitality Business Association of Chicago, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, JB Pritzker, Liquor Control Act, liquor laws, Midwest, prohibition, Sara Feigenholtz, soda tax, taxes, Toni Preckwinkle, vape ban, vaping, Wine & Spirits Distributors of Illinois

Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition

By Vincent Caruso

12/05/2018

With the ratification of the 21st Amendment, 1933 marked the end of Prohibition in the United States. The Land of Lincoln, however, has continued to serve a cocktail of prohibitive regulations on alcoholic beverages.

TAGS: alcohol tax, Liquor Control Act, liquor laws, soda tax, taxes

Constitution of the United States

Illinois parents, teachers sue to get unconstitutional union boost off ballot

Illinois has been subject to Pritzker’s emergency powers for nearly 22 months. Where does this power come from?

Democrats’ legislative remap dilutes Illinois minority voting power, lawsuits claim

Pritzker’s choice: Get COVID-19 shot, or lose your job

Chicago had $41,100 in debt per taxpayer before COVID-19, second to New York

What powers does Pritzker have in an emergency? And what has he ordered so far?

State legal memo: Illinois governor needs lawmakers’ approval before extending emergency powers

Poll shows diverse support for Illinois pension reform

Repeal Day: Prohibition ended 86 years ago, but Illinois’ alcohol taxes, regulations remain sobering

Repeal Day: Illinois’ sobering alcohol taxes, regulations a reminder of Prohibition

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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