Report: Illinois, Chicago public pension crises worst in U.S.

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

07/19/2023

Illinois state and local pension debt now tallies $218 billion with both debt to GDP and funding ratios the worst in the nation, according to a new Equable Institute report.

TAGS: pensions

Vallas: A real strategy for containing out-of-control violence in Chicago

By Paul Vallas

07/17/2023

Chicago can’t afford to wait on immediate crime reduction efforts – the city needs a plan. Unfortunately, no concrete details have emerged on how the new administration plans to address public safety, the No. 1 issue on Chicagoans’ minds. Here are nine steps Chicago officials could take to begin curbing crime today.

TAGS: Chicago, crime

Chicago has 2nd-highest commercial property taxes in U.S.

By Justin Carlson

07/07/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and progressive allies said the city can find fiscal flexibility by taxing big business. The city is already home to the second-highest commercial property taxes in the nation.

TAGS: corporate income tax

Illinoisans get 2nd gas tax hike of 2023 just before Independence Day

By Dylan Sharkey

06/26/2023

Illinoisans face the second gas tax hike of 2023 on July 1. The 3.1 cent hike doesn’t need lawmaker approval, thanks to state leaders implementing automatic gas tax hikes.

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2023

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: NASCAR

One-third of SEIU workers reject union membership

By Mailee Smith

06/07/2023

It could be because less than 22% of SEIU HCII’s spending is on representing workers – what should be the core purpose of the union.

TAGS: SEIU: Service Employees International Union

2nd Pritzker gas tax hike this year to hit Illinois drivers July 1

By Dylan Sharkey

05/26/2023

Illinoisans face the second gas tax hike of 2023 on July 1. The 3.1 cent hike doesn’t need lawmaker approval, thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker implementing automatic gas tax hikes.

Memorial Day brings extra pain at Illinois gas pumps

By Dylan Sharkey

05/25/2023

Memorial Day weekend means millions will hit the road, but Illinoisans should try and fill up across states lines to avoid some of the nation’s highest gas taxes.

TAGS: Memorial Day

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

Cook County pension ‘fix’ could cost Illinois billions, fail to fund retirements

By Justin Carlson

05/02/2023

The proposal by state Sen. Robert Martwick is intended to fix a technical problem with the Tier 2 pension system, but Martwick said he doesn’t know how much it could cost taxpayers. He said it could be “billions.”

Cook County

Report: Illinois, Chicago public pension crises worst in U.S.

Vallas: A real strategy for containing out-of-control violence in Chicago

Chicago has 2nd-highest commercial property taxes in U.S.

Illinoisans get 2nd gas tax hike of 2023 just before Independence Day

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

One-third of SEIU workers reject union membership

2nd Pritzker gas tax hike this year to hit Illinois drivers July 1

Memorial Day brings extra pain at Illinois gas pumps

What to know before Brandon Johnson becomes mayor of Chicago

Cook County pension ‘fix’ could cost Illinois billions, fail to fund retirements

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