Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark

By Jess Plowman

01/01/2024

While technically ending Illinois’ nuclear power plant moratorium, a new law does not allow even one watt of nuclear energy to be generated for the public electrical grid.

Illinois lawmakers adjourn without saving school choice, but fight will continue

By Brad Weisenstein

11/09/2023

Illinois’ Invest in Kids school choice program for over 9,600 low-income students will end at the close of 2023. But supporters vow to resurrect it during the upcoming legislative session.

TAGS: Chicago Teachers Union, Invest in Kids, school choice

California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

06/13/2023

Illinois labor leaders claimed their push to enshrine public union supremacy in the Illinois Constitution was the “blueprint” for other states. Now both California and Pennsylvania are following Illinois’ lead.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids

By Dylan Sharkey

05/30/2023

The Illinois General Assembly approved $100 million in grants so students can choose a private or public university. But when it comes to giving that private or public choice to low-income students, there soon may be no choice at all.

TAGS: budget, education, school choice

Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

05/04/2023

Pennsylvania’s House Bill 950 is worded exactly like Illinois’ Amendment 1. Illinois labor leaders recently claimed Illinois’ amendment is the “blueprint” for other states, such as Pennsylvania.

Chicago Teachers Union spends $17M on Illinois political campaigns

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

01/26/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union has funneled more than $17 million to Illinois political committees since 2010, when the militant Caucus of Rank and File Educators took over leadership. Now, one of their employees is running for Chicago mayor.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois state senator pushing progressive tax voters rejected

By Dylan Sharkey

01/18/2023

An Illinois state senator is reviving an effort to change Illinois’ income tax structure from a flat tax, even though voters soundly defeated the change in 2020. Expect higher taxes, retirement taxes if he gets his way.

TAGS: Illinois, progressive income tax

Pritzker signs bill giving $12K pay raises to state lawmakers

By Brad Weisenstein

01/09/2023

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker approved raises for the statewide elected leaders just ahead of their inaugurations Jan. 9. State lawmakers will get $12,094 raises when they take office Jan. 11. Big hikes also went to Pritzker’s department leaders and their assistants.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, lawmaker pay

Busting 3 myths in the ‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ ads

By Mailee Smith

11/02/2022

Down to the wire, and three myths are still being pushed by 'Workers' Rights Amendment' advocates. Affects all workers? False. Other states do it? False. Won't increase property taxes? False.

TAGS: workers rights amendment

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

By Mailee Smith

10/10/2022

Proponents of Amendment 1 claim it applies to all workers, mimics other state constitutions and would help the economy. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong.

TAGS: Amendment 1, workers rights

Illinois Senate

Illinois’ new nuclear bill goes dark before it can spark

Illinois lawmakers adjourn without saving school choice, but fight will continue

California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

Illinois boosts scholarships for private colleges, but not for low-income kids

Pennsylvania unions push misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

Chicago Teachers Union spends $17M on Illinois political campaigns

Illinois state senator pushing progressive tax voters rejected

Pritzker signs bill giving $12K pay raises to state lawmakers

Busting 3 myths in the ‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ ads

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

Pathway to a Profession: How Apprenticeships Could Reshape Illinois’ Beauty Service Industry

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