How public programs can penalize workers earning more

By Aayush Goodpaty

06/25/2024

Families trying to escape poverty are sometimes worse off with greater incomes because of benefits cliffs hidden in public programs.

Speaker Welch got union power into Illinois Constitution, now his workers use it against him

By Mailee Smith

06/03/2024

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch supported the so-called workers’ rights amendment but won’t recognize his own staff’s union. That union has now filed suit.

TAGS: Chris Welch

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

05/27/2024

The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: Chicago, NASCAR, taxes

$30K for pizza? No wonder nearly one-third of workers reject SEIU HCII union

By Mailee Smith

05/09/2024

Not even one-quarter of SEIU HCII’s spending is on representing workers – which should be its main priority. Yet dozens of its own employees make six-figure salaries and it has increased its spending on politics by nearly 9%. Oh, yeah: plus spent over $30,000 at a pizza parlor.

TAGS: SEIU: Service Employees International Union

Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races

By Hilary Gowins

05/06/2024

Why did SB 2412 need to pass on May 2, in the middle of the election cycle, weeks after the primary election but still well ahead of the November general election? Many candidates had already started the complicated process of petition gathering and paperwork under the old rules. What justifies changing those rules in the middle of the game?

TAGS: election laws

Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1

By Dylan Sharkey

04/30/2024

After July 1, Illinois motorists will be averaging $184 more in state gas taxes since Gov. J.B. Pritzker doubled them in 2019. Illinois motorists already pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, and inflation adjustments just take them higher.

TAGS: gas tax

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Vincent Caruso

04/29/2024

Vallas: Chicago domestic shootings up 19% in 2023. Fix needed now.

By Paul Vallas

04/23/2024

In Chicago and Cook County, law enforcement leadership and the court systems are failing women, especially domestic violence victims. Black women are disproportionately impacted. Leadership is desperately needed where incompetence now rules.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

What you should know about the Chicago Teachers Union

By Brad Weisenstein

04/04/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union put its lobbyist in the Chicago mayor's office and is now negotiating its next contract with him. What taxpayers should know about CTU, how it's impacted education, its leadership and its ambitions to be the political machine running the nation's third-largest city.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, education

Editorial: Voters send loud message to Mayor Johnson, his Chicago Teachers Union allies

By Hilary Gowins

03/19/2024

In 2020, 70% of Chicago voters approved the failed statewide progressive income tax. But on March 19, they rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax hike. This is a resounding defeat for Johnson and his allies in the Chicago Teachers Union.

TAGS: Chicago, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Cook County

How public programs can penalize workers earning more

Speaker Welch got union power into Illinois Constitution, now his workers use it against him

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

$30K for pizza? No wonder nearly one-third of workers reject SEIU HCII union

Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races

Illinois state gas tax to hit 47 cents July 1

2024 NASCAR ticket price up to $270 higher thanks to Chicago tax

Vallas: Chicago domestic shootings up 19% in 2023. Fix needed now.

What you should know about the Chicago Teachers Union

Editorial: Voters send loud message to Mayor Johnson, his Chicago Teachers Union allies

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

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