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

Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges

By Dylan Sharkey

11/02/2022

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, denied all corruption accusations brought against them. Federal prosecutors said Madigan used his position to run a criminal enterprise.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

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

132K government workers making $100K-plus cost taxpayers $17B

By Dylan Sharkey

10/31/2022

Government workers with six-figure salaries are already common in Illinois. Amendment 1 promises to boost membership in the $100K Club.

TAGS: Amendment 1, pensions

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

10/31/2022

The Illinois Manufacturers Association president warned Amendment 1 would tie lawmakers’ hands from pursuing fiscal reform. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce president said it would decrease business investment and the Technology and Manufacturing Association of Illinois is worried about property tax increases.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Illinois

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

Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges

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

132K government workers making $100K-plus cost taxpayers $17B

3 business groups say voters need to reject Amendment 1 to fix Illinois

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