$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session

By Bryce Hill

10/31/2025

A bill that would increase Tier 2 pension benefits was passed out of Illinois House Executive Committee on Oct 30.

Figure out if there’s a problem before boosting Illinois pensions

By LyLena Estabine

03/11/2025

Without careful evaluation of whether Illinois’ pensions for newer employees are running afoul of federal rules or what the penalties would be, spending $78 million from the state’s budget is premature and wasteful.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, pensions, taxes

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

By Joe Tabor

02/10/2025

Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...

5 principles to guide Illinois’ public pension reform

By LyLena Estabine

01/16/2025

With nearly $214 billion in state and local pension debt threatening both retirees and government finances, Illinois needs a new path forward. Here are five principles to guide the state, protect taxpayers and safeguard public servants.

Atlas Van Lines: Illinois 3rd in nation for residents leaving

By Dylan Sharkey

12/09/2024

Illinois saw the third-highest rate of residents moving out in 2024 based on a survey by Atlas Van Lines. Jobs and taxes are among the top reasons people leave Illinois, which is also third in the nation for highest unemployment rate.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Chicago Teachers Union president paid over $269K but hides union financial records

By Mailee Smith

11/20/2024

Public records show the Chicago Teachers Union and other union entities pay Stacy Davis Gates a very healthy salary. But union transparency ends there. CTU is refusing to show members how it spends their money, despite that mandate in CTU’s rules.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform

By LyLena Estabine

11/14/2024

Illinois is at risk of getting in costly trouble with the federal government over its Tier 2 public employee retirement benefits. Here’s a solution that doesn’t make the state’s monstrous public pension debt even worse.

Democratic National Convention just in time to wave goodbye to Chicagoans

By Dylan Sharkey, Kurtis Karg

08/12/2024

The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago to highlight the party’s platform. Delegates are likely to see moving vans that highlight what those policies have done to the Windy City and the rest of Illinois.

TAGS: DNC: Democratic National Convention

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

By Bryce Hill

08/09/2024

At the 1920 Census, Chicago’s population was 2.7 million, up over 516,000 in a decade. More than 100 years later, Chicago’s population is 2.66 million, a loss of 128,034 from nine straight years of decline.

TAGS: outmigration, population

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

Internal Revenue Service

$53 billion pension spike advances during last-minute veto session

Figure out if there’s a problem before boosting Illinois pensions

A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options

5 principles to guide Illinois’ public pension reform

Atlas Van Lines: Illinois 3rd in nation for residents leaving

Chicago Teachers Union president paid over $269K but hides union financial records

Illinois needs responsible Tier 2 pension reform

Democratic National Convention just in time to wave goodbye to Chicagoans

Chicago population hits lowest point since 1920

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

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