Tier 2 isn’t broken for Illinois’ career workers: expanding choice secures benefits

By LyLena Estabine

04/22/2025

Illinois’ Tier 2 is a great retirement benefit for long-term state workers. But those who don’t spend their careers in government could be better served by the flexibility and portability of a defined contribution plan.

Over 1 in 3 Illinois government workers reject AFSCME Council 31 membership

By Mailee Smith

04/21/2025

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees’ questionable spending, as revealed in its own federal reporting, could be driving members away from the union.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Kane County part of voter wave saying ‘no’ to more taxes

By Dylan Sharkey

04/17/2025

Kane County voters sent a strong message by voting down a sales tax increase on April 1. They joined voters in several townships who asked for pension reform to control taxes and a town that rejected a grocery tax.

TAGS: Kane County

Bill targets homeschool study groups with big school rules

By Dylan Sharkey

04/16/2025

Homeschool co-ops in Illinois would face several new rules meant for larger schools, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. The ‘Homeschool Act’ sponsor says her bill isn’t quite dead yet.

TAGS: homeschool

Taxpayers’ pay over 2X rate Illinois workers pay for health insurance

By FJ Hilgart

04/16/2025

A current union-negotiated contract with Illinois state government gives out-of-the-norm health benefits to government workers at very low cost. State workers’ share is far less than what private-sector taxpayers must spend for health coverage.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

One-third of Illinois’ March layoffs hit Chicago security firm

By Patrick Andriesen

04/15/2025

Illinois companies announced 947 mass layoffs in March. All but 21 of the job cuts were permanent.

TAGS: Chicago, jobs, unemployment

Tax Day: Here’s how your $4K in state income taxes is spent

By Lauren Zuar, FJ Hilgart

04/15/2025

Just over 5% of the average state income tax return supports economic development and public safety, while almost 28% goes to government worker pensions and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how Illinois will spend your state income taxes.

TAGS: Tax Day

Banning credit checks won’t help Illinois’ poor get housing

By LyLena Estabine

04/10/2025

Illinois state lawmakers are trying to ban landlords from using credit histories to judge potential tenants. Doing so could make it harder for low-income tenants to find housing.

TAGS: affordable housing, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly

‘Homeschool Act’ creates serious legal problems, violates parents’ rights

By Mailee Smith

04/10/2025

House Bill 2827 would extensively regulate both homeschools and private schools in ways that could seriously violate Illinoisans’ rights, including a primary right established a century ago.

TAGS: homeschool

Illinois Federation of Teachers underfunds teachers, props up own officers

By Mailee Smith

04/10/2025

The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents educators in 200 districts in Illinois. But just 26% of its spending in 2024 was on “representational activities” – what should be its core focus.

TAGS: IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Illinois

Tier 2 isn’t broken for Illinois’ career workers: expanding choice secures benefits

Over 1 in 3 Illinois government workers reject AFSCME Council 31 membership

Kane County part of voter wave saying ‘no’ to more taxes

Bill targets homeschool study groups with big school rules

Taxpayers’ pay over 2X rate Illinois workers pay for health insurance

One-third of Illinois’ March layoffs hit Chicago security firm

Tax Day: Here’s how your $4K in state income taxes is spent

Banning credit checks won’t help Illinois’ poor get housing

‘Homeschool Act’ creates serious legal problems, violates parents’ rights

Illinois Federation of Teachers underfunds teachers, props up own officers

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