Teachers can stop paying union dues and keep their benefits

By Hannah Schmid

07/29/2026

Educators can join thousands of their colleagues and opt out of union membership — and retain all benefits provided in their contract.

TAGS: Janus v. AFSCME

Report claims union support is increasing, but not for Illinois government unions

By Mailee Smith

09/15/2023

A recent report by a pro-union Illinois organization claims nationwide support for unions is increasing, including in Illinois. The Illinois part is wrong, at least for government unions. Here are three things you need to know about Illinois unions.

TAGS: unions

Join thousands of public school employees who left their union

By Hannah Schmid

08/09/2023

Nearly 23,000 educators and other public school employees have chosen not to affiliate with their unions. You’re not alone if you choose to opt-out this August.

Full-day kindergarten mandate hits governor’s desk, but costs remain unknown

By Patrick Andriesen

06/03/2023

Illinois may soon require all public school districts to front the costs of a full-day kindergarten program starting in 2027. There is no designated financial support from the state. Opponents said it’s not about a lack of desire or need, but the lack of funding.

Illinois union membership shrinks by 17,000 in 2022

By Mailee Smith

01/23/2023

The drop in union membership for Illinois workers follows a 33-year downward trend, moving from more than 1-in-5 workers being in a union, to nearly 1-in-8.

TAGS: Illinois, unions

9% of Illinois government workers quit unions as more dues spent on politics

By Mailee Smith

08/31/2022

Illinois government unions admit spending very little on representing workers – the core purpose of a union. Maybe that’s why so many government workers are leaving the unions. Now government union bosses want taxpayers to pay for union failures.

TAGS: government unions

More than 38,000 workers have left government unions in Illinois

By Mailee Smith

04/12/2022

The unions’ own federal reports show 9% of workers have chosen to break away from unions since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME.

TAGS: government unions, Janus v. AFSCME, membership

Illinois government unions give Madigan $10 million reasons to stay together

By Mailee Smith

08/13/2020

The state’s government unions have heavily funded the election committees run by longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan – who then uses his influence to pass union-friendly bills.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, corruption, Democratic Party, Mike Madigan, unions

Has your Illinois state representative called on Madigan to resign?

08/04/2020

Pressure is growing on the longest-serving state House speaker in American history to resign as federal investigators probe his relationships with corporate lobbyists.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, Mike Madigan

‘Fair tax’ backer spreading falsehoods, misinformation

By Bryce Hill

05/06/2019

Lawmakers using the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability to convince constituents how great a progressive tax could be for Illinois are doing a disservice. Here are the straight tax facts.

TAGS: CTBA: Center for Budget and Tax Accountability, fair tax, income tax, progressive income tax, Ralph Martire, taxes

Glen Ellyn

Teachers can stop paying union dues and keep their benefits

Report claims union support is increasing, but not for Illinois government unions

Join thousands of public school employees who left their union

Full-day kindergarten mandate hits governor’s desk, but costs remain unknown

Illinois union membership shrinks by 17,000 in 2022

9% of Illinois government workers quit unions as more dues spent on politics

More than 38,000 workers have left government unions in Illinois

Illinois government unions give Madigan $10 million reasons to stay together

Has your Illinois state representative called on Madigan to resign?

‘Fair tax’ backer spreading falsehoods, misinformation

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit 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