Chicago’s Fortune 500 headquarters are shrinking

By Dylan Sharkey

10/17/2022

Chicago has lost three Fortune 500 headquarters in 2022. McDonald’s could be the next to leave. Amendment 1 could make it more likely.

Minister sees ballot question as property tax threat after nearly losing home

10/14/2022

The Rev. Phalese Binion worked to help people find affordable housing, but she didn’t truly understand the property tax problem until she bought her own home. Now the former union member sees a new property tax threat from Amendment 1.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Pain of Illinois gas taxes felt as another price spike hits

By Dylan Sharkey

10/11/2022

OPEC decided to slow down oil production. Every state can expect higher gas prices, but Illinois taxes make the pain worse.

TAGS: gas prices, OPEC: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

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

Debate fact check: Property taxes haven’t gone down under Pritzker

By Dylan Sharkey

10/07/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker took the debate stage claiming property taxes in Illinois have gone down thanks to his administration. In truth, the average Illinois family is paying over $2,000 more in property taxes than before he took office.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, property taxes

Amendment 1 could lock in $1.8B commercial property tax hike

By Bryce Hill

10/07/2022

Statewide commercial property tax extensions are on pace to total $11.3 billion by 2026. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that $1.8 billion increase.

TAGS: Amendment 1, property taxes

Illinois businesses on hook for $1.4 billion in state unemployment debt

By Dylan Sharkey

10/06/2022

Illinois will contribute $450 million to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. With $1.4 billion in debt remaining, Illinois businesses are on the hook if lawmakers don’t meet the Nov. 10 deadline.

Fact check: Private sector workers excluded from Amendment 1

By Mailee Smith

10/06/2022

Despite proponents’ claims, the rights outlined in Amendment 1 cannot apply to non-government employees. U.S. Supreme Court precedent already makes that clear. So did the proposal’s Illinois Senate sponsor.

TAGS: Amendment 1

Experts: Expect future Chicago property tax hikes without pension reform

By Patrick Andriesen

10/06/2022

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot earmarked $442 million to help pay down Chicago’s $46.9 billion pension debt. The Civic Federation said stop-gap measures will only delay future property tax hikes unless there’s statewide pension reform.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Tyson Foods 6th company to leave Illinois in 2022

By Dylan Sharkey

10/06/2022

Tyson Foods is relocating 500 employees from Chicago and Downers Grove offices to the corporate headquarters in Arkansas. The meat processor is the sixth company to leave Illinois this year.

TAGS: Chicago, Tyson Foods

Illinois

Chicago’s Fortune 500 headquarters are shrinking

Minister sees ballot question as property tax threat after nearly losing home

Pain of Illinois gas taxes felt as another price spike hits

Top 3 myths told by Amendment 1 proponents

Debate fact check: Property taxes haven’t gone down under Pritzker

Amendment 1 could lock in $1.8B commercial property tax hike

Illinois businesses on hook for $1.4 billion in state unemployment debt

Fact check: Private sector workers excluded from Amendment 1

Experts: Expect future Chicago property tax hikes without pension reform

Tyson Foods 6th company to leave Illinois in 2022

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