A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April

By Mailee Smith

01/30/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools entered the “fact finding” phase of negotiations in January 2025. Here’s what that means, whether Chicago students might be out of class, when and what it all could do to taxpayers.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Madigan collects $158K while facing federal corruption trial in Chicago

By Patrick Andriesen

01/29/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan collected a pension worth $158,000 in 2024 while facing a federal corruption trial in Chicago. Depending on the verdict, taxpayers could be on the hook for another $1 million to cover his remaining benefits.

TAGS: Mike Madigan, pensions

Illinois school boards should provide opportunities to all kids in their districts

By Mailee Smith

01/27/2025

Some Illinois school boards allow all resident children – including private and homeschooled kids – to participate in district activities. That should be the case for all taxpaying families in all districts.

TAGS: public schools

3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

01/20/2025

Chicago might have just avoided a property tax hike, but city leaders couldn’t figure out how to pass the 2025 budget without other tax and fee increases. Here’s what the city should do to avoid repeating the same budgeting mistakes next year.

TAGS: Chicago

Proposed law would let Chicagoans recall Mayor Johnson in special election

By Mailee Smith

01/14/2025

House Bill 1084 would provide relief to the 70% of voters disapproving of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson by creating a process to recall the mayor.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago

Illinois government pensioners deserve more control over their funds

By LyLena Estabine

01/13/2025

Expanding retirement savings plans as an option for all new Illinois state employees would give them choice and likely improve the state’s pension crisis.

How government unions work against interests of private-sector unions, taxpayers

By Mailee Smith

01/08/2025

Government unions posed threats to public welfare that were recognized by founders of the labor movement and by progressive icon Franklin D. Roosevelt. Those threats have become reality, with government union power dominating – especially in Illinois.

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

By Bryce Hill

12/17/2024

Chicago’s government pension obligations have increased nearly sixfold since 2014, driving up Chicago’s sky-high property taxes. Another increase for 2025 was likely avoided, but city leaders need state lawmakers to make a permanent fix.

Chicago leaders can still fix runaway budget, tax hikes

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

12/13/2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson failed to rally the votes for a record $17.3 billion budget imposing $68.5 million in property tax hikes. City leaders have another chance to fix the budget. Here’s how they can do it.

Illinois General Assembly

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April

Madigan collects $158K while facing federal corruption trial in Chicago

Illinois school boards should provide opportunities to all kids in their districts

3 ways to balance Chicago’s next budget without tax hikes

Proposed law would let Chicagoans recall Mayor Johnson in special election

Illinois government pensioners deserve more control over their funds

How government unions work against interests of private-sector unions, taxpayers

Chicago property taxes have doubled in 10 years, thanks to pensions

Chicago leaders can still fix runaway budget, tax hikes

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