Just 10 cents of every dollar the National Education Association spent in 2025 was on representing teachers. Politics and contributions took nearly four times that amount.
There are limits on gift giving to Illinois state lawmakers, but there are exceptions. Here’s where the state draws the line between generosity and graft.
Chicago aldermen for the first time pushed through their own budget, rejecting the mayor’s effort to impose a job-killing head tax. There are other taxes.
Just 17% of the union’s spending in 2025 was on representing teachers. But it spent a record-breaking amount on politics and paid many staffers over $100K.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers told members it will “stay vigilant” to keep privately-donated money out of students’ pockets. Illinois kids need the help.
The “gift room” scandal, a botched police raid and a smokestack implosion underscore how the head of Chicago’s Law Department, also known as the corporation counsel, too often lacks independence from the mayor’s office. Chicago’s corporation counsel is appointed by the mayor and can be removed at the mayor’s discretion. Experience in other major cities...