Illinois’ state, local tax burden highest in Midwest after 2nd-largest increase in U.S.

By Bryce Hill

04/11/2022

The effective state and local tax burden in Illinois has risen from 11.2% in 2019 to 12.9% in 2022. It is now the nation’s seventh highest.

TAGS: Illinois, tax burden

CTU-backed Amendment 1 would give teachers unions power over Illinois parents

By Mailee Smith

02/15/2022

Chicago Teachers Union takes credit for spreading the “new gospel” of union strike power across the nation. If the CTU-backed Amendment 1 passes in November, it will lock the union’s militant tactics into the state constitution, to the detriment of children and parents statewide.

TAGS: Amendment 1, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

IDES report detailing scope of Illinois unemployment fraud remains unpublished one year later

By Patrick Andriesen

02/14/2022

Nearly a year after Illinois lawmakers requested a comprehensive audit of state unemployment fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, IDES, the state agency in charge of issuing assistance, remains unable to tabulate how much money was lost to scammers.

TAGS: fraud, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security

Illinois Forward 2023: Only pension, budget reform can save taxpayers when federal aid ends

01/30/2022

Published Jan. 30, 2022

Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021

By Bryce Hill

01/14/2022

Illinoisans fled at a record pace in 2021. The state lost 122,460 residents on net because of moves to other states.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

By Adam Schuster

08/24/2021

Classrooms First Act would benefit virtually all Illinoisans including teachers, parents and students.

Report: Illinois fiscal health again 2nd worst in U.S.

09/22/2020

Each Illinois taxpayers owes $52,000, thanks to politicians spending more than they already take in. On Nov. 3 taxpayers will be asked for even more.

TAGS: debt, economy, JB Pritzker, pensions

What Illinoisans need to know about the progressive income tax

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

08/27/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls his $3.7 billion income tax hike a “fair tax.” But opponents have criticized the constitutional amendment as a blank check for House Speaker Mike Madigan and other state lawmakers, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers.

TAGS: fair tax, graduated income tax, Illinois Constitution, income tax, JB Pritzker, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, progressive income tax, property taxes, taxes

Corruption costs Illinois an estimated $556M per year

By Bryce Hill

08/25/2020

Illinois’ high levels of corruption damage the state’s economy, costing it $10.6 billion since 2000. States with higher levels of corruption average lower levels of economic growth.

TAGS: corruption, economic growth, ethics, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, tax burden

To reform policing, Illinois must rehabilitate its errant labor laws

By Vincent Caruso

07/28/2020

A police union contract that protects deviant officers while muzzling those who wish to serve honorably is one set up to fail the public.

TAGS: government unions, Lori Lightfoot, police brutality, police misconduct

Kentucky

Illinois’ state, local tax burden highest in Midwest after 2nd-largest increase in U.S.

CTU-backed Amendment 1 would give teachers unions power over Illinois parents

IDES report detailing scope of Illinois unemployment fraud remains unpublished one year later

Illinois Forward 2023: Only pension, budget reform can save taxpayers when federal aid ends

Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

Report: Illinois fiscal health again 2nd worst in U.S.

What Illinoisans need to know about the progressive income tax

Corruption costs Illinois an estimated $556M per year

To reform policing, Illinois must rehabilitate its errant labor laws

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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