Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2023

Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.

Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying

By Dylan Sharkey

06/15/2023

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill giving teachers 10 paid days off for union advocacy if elected to union leadership positions.

TAGS: teachers union

Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state

By Bryce Hill

06/14/2023

The bulk of those leaving Illinois are aged 26-54 and their dependents.

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

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union registered its opinion on legislation more than 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. Its legislative priorities would drive up taxes and make government more expensive, no matter where you live in Illinois.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions

By Mailee Smith

06/08/2023

The Chicago Teachers Union pours money into political campaigns, but that isn’t all. It also pressures lawmakers to abide by its legislative agenda. It’s a one-two political punch: helping elect lawmakers and then telling them what to do.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson

06/06/2023

An ominously titled document by close confidants of new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states the new administration’s top priority is to take more money from households making $100,000 or more to fund what they claim is a “just Chicago.”

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Illinois grocery tax returns July 1

By Dylan Sharkey

06/06/2023

Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s temporary tax relief expires July 1 when Illinois reinstates the grocery tax instead of joining the 37 states that don’t tax groceries at all.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

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.

Pandemic cocktails to-go gets extension in Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

06/01/2023

Illinois was one of 14 states that made it legal for restaurant and bar owners to deliver cocktails or sell them to-go as a survival tactic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. J.B. Pritzker just signed the bill to extend the policy into 2028.

Illinois

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying

Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state

California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1

Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield

CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions

Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies

Illinois grocery tax returns July 1

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

Pandemic cocktails to-go gets extension in Illinois

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help 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