Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor

By Dylan Sharkey

11/04/2022

Chicago Teachers Union leader Brandon Johnson announced his candidacy for Chicago mayor. It’s the latest push for political power by CTU, which has backed many campaigns including Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Nearly 40% of small businesses delinquent on October rent

By Patrick Andriesen

11/04/2022

A survey found 37% of U.S. small businesses were delinquent on October rent, with inflation and rising costs absorbing “most sales gains.”

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

By Mailee Smith, Hannah Schmid

11/04/2022

Illinois law already allows some government union contracts to override state law. Amendment 1 would allow all government union contracts to do so.

TAGS: Amendment 1, labor, unions, workers rights amendment

Property taxes rise nearly $4B under Pritzker

By Bryce Hill

11/03/2022

Illinoisans will have paid an extra $3.94 billion in property taxes during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term. Four years ago he campaigned on a promise of property tax relief.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, property taxes

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

11/03/2022

On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.

TAGS: Cook County assessor, corruption, Shakman decrees

5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1

By Patrick Andriesen

11/03/2022

The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and News-Gazette all said voters should say ‘no’ to Amendment 1. They see it as giving government unions power to force higher taxes and weaker laws.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.

By Brad Weisenstein

11/03/2022

Nothing about property taxes in Amendment 1? There’s nothing about the cost in most of what Illinois politicians pass, but there’s usually a surprise for taxpayers hidden somewhere.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

By Aimee Morrissey, Perry Zhao, Joe Tabor

11/03/2022

On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.

TAGS: election, judges

DCFS failures to protect children could get worse under Amendment 1

By Patrick Andriesen

11/03/2022

Child deaths, contempt of court citations and an employee facing child porn charges beleaguer the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Now government unions are pushing Amendment 1, which could void 11 child protection laws.

TAGS: DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services, workers rights amendment

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

By Dylan Sharkey

11/02/2022

Crain’s Chicago Business’ editorial board is endorsing a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. Two Crain’s columnists did so, also, because of the unchecked power it would grant government unions.

TAGS: workers rights amendment

Illinois

Chicago Teachers Union backs its own lobbyist for Chicago mayor

Nearly 40% of small businesses delinquent on October rent

Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.

Property taxes rise nearly $4B under Pritzker

Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office

5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1

Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.

Who is running for judge in Illinois?

DCFS failures to protect children could get worse under Amendment 1

Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1

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