What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?

By Joe Tabor

08/24/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, Chicago

3 ways Chicago Mayor Johnson is likely to repay unions for bankrolling him

By Mailee Smith

08/24/2023

Nearly 83% of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s funding has been from unions, according to data obtained from Illinois Sunshine. More than half of that came from teachers unions. Here are three ways we could see him pay them back.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days

By Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill

08/18/2023

The city of Chicago faces a pension crisis, heightened crime and a failing public school system. New Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken no concrete steps to deal with any of it.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson

Vallas: Youth crime is on the rise in Chicago – and CTU’s school closures may be to blame for the trend

By Paul Vallas

08/14/2023

Rising crime in Chicago is being driven by an increase in youth crime – as a result of the Chicago Teachers Union’s policies and agenda, which undermine police and public safety.

TAGS: crime, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

07/27/2023

The typical concertgoer will pay an extra $35 for their general admission ticket to Lollapalooza, thanks to the city’s amusment tax. A platinum pass will cost visitors more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: Chicago, Lollapalooza

Vallas: Chicago Police overtime cost $126M, plus cost of burn-out

By Paul Vallas

07/27/2023

One way to “defund the police” is by not hiring officers – a strategy supported by many in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s camp. The problem is, failing to hire more officers is backfiring. It leads to higher costs, some of which are very hard to count but easy to see.

Vallas: Here’s where Chicago Board of Education should put its focus

By Paul Vallas

07/17/2023

Mayoral appointments to the city’s school board tell the public a lot about that mayor’s philosophy. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to who Mayor Brandon Johnson is appointing. It’s also important to understand what options should be on the table when it comes to fixing the failing Chicago Public Schools system.

TAGS: Chicago Board of Education, school choice, teachers union

Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers

By Dylan Sharkey

06/20/2023

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson handed parental leave to his former employers at the Chicago Teachers Union with no negotiation. Now the city’s police union wants it.

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

By Patrick Andriesen

06/15/2023

Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2023

The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.

TAGS: NASCAR

Lori Lightfoot

What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?

3 ways Chicago Mayor Johnson is likely to repay unions for bankrolling him

Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days

Vallas: Youth crime is on the rise in Chicago – and CTU’s school closures may be to blame for the trend

Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax

Vallas: Chicago Police overtime cost $126M, plus cost of burn-out

Vallas: Here’s where Chicago Board of Education should put its focus

Chicago cops demand parental leave after mayor gives it to teachers

Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M

NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax

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