Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

By Patrick Andriesen

07/31/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is seeking a $543k property tax cut that would take about $301K from the schools where its members teach. CTU’s also making over $10 billion in contract demands, which would certainly drive up Chicagoans’ tax bills.

TAGS: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

07/09/2024

Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2024

Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022

By Bryce Hill

07/01/2024

New data shows $9.9 billion flowed from Illinois to other states because people moved out in 2022. Most of those leaving earned $100,000 or more.

TAGS: population

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

By Hannah Schmid

05/30/2024

Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.

TAGS: public schools

Stacy Davis Gates pays $1,533 in Indiana back taxes, penalties – late

By Dylan Sharkey

05/02/2024

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates paid off $1,533 in back property taxes and penalties on her Indiana house after authorities revoked a credit reserved for owner occupants.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

More states give parents control over education funds, so why not Illinois?

By Hannah Schmid

04/30/2024

There are 18 private school choice programs called “education savings accounts” in 16 states and growing. But Illinois leaders refuse to let parents decide how their taxes are used to educate their children.

TAGS: education spending

Chicago Teachers Union boss finally pays city bills, because of FOIA?

By Brad Weisenstein

04/26/2024

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates finally paid all her city trash, sewer and water bills after letting $5,381 in debt pile up. The pay-off came after an open records request was made. Hmmm…

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

What you should know about the Chicago Teachers Union

By Brad Weisenstein

04/04/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union put its lobbyist in the Chicago mayor's office and is now negotiating its next contract with him. What taxpayers should know about CTU, how it's impacted education, its leadership and its ambitions to be the political machine running the nation's third-largest city.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, education

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation

By Patrick Andriesen, Jon Josko

03/11/2024

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranked fourth worst in the nation in January 2024 after a decline in the number of jobs statewide during the past 12 months. Illinois continues to lag the nation and all its neighbors in job growth.

Indiana

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

Stacy Davis Gates pays $1,533 in Indiana back taxes, penalties – late

More states give parents control over education funds, so why not Illinois?

Chicago Teachers Union boss finally pays city bills, because of FOIA?

What you should know about the Chicago Teachers Union

Illinois’ unemployment rate ranks 4th worst in the nation

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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