Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

By Joe Tabor, Ted Dabrowski

01/04/2017

The little-known legislative rules that govern the legislative process in the Illinois House of Representatives give the House speaker extraordinary power to orchestrate the legislative or political outcomes he or she wants. Those rules allow the speaker to influence the makeup of legislative committees; how lawmakers vote; and when, if ever, the bills get voted...

Asset forfeiture in Illinois: What it is, where it happens, and reforms the state needs

By Ben Ruddell, Bryant Jackson-Green

11/16/2016

Most people expect Illinois law enforcement to defend the private property of Illinois residents. As long as you obey the law, your life, liberty and property should be secure from the law – or so common sense would suggest. Yet, every year, Illinois law enforcement agencies take tens of millions of dollars in cash, vehicles,...

Moody’s calls Safe Roads Amendment a “credit negative” for Illinois’ finances

By Ted Dabrowski

11/11/2016

Now that politicians don’t have the flexibility to access transportation funding during emergencies, they’ll use the lack of funds as an excuse to pass higher taxes on Illinoisans.

TAGS: budget, labor, transportation

Chicago’s total, effective tax rate on liquor is 28%

By Chris Lentino

03/21/2016

The combined federal, state, county and city taxes on alcohol result in a 28 percent effective tax rate on a bottle of spirits bought in Chicago.

TAGS: alcohol tax, Chicago

Chicago teachers highest paid among nation’s 50 largest school districts

By Amy Korte

02/05/2016

Among the U.S.’ 50 largest school districts, CPS teachers’ pay ranks No. 1 for teachers with a bachelor’s degree and five years’ experience, No. 2 for first-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree, and No. 3 for first-year teachers with a master’s degree.

TAGS: Chicago, CPS: Chicago Public Schools

Illinois bidding out 20,000 cameras for police

By illinoispolicy

11/21/2015

Illinois is taking bids for a supplier to equip 1,000 police officers and another 1,000 patrol cars with mobile cameras.

TAGS: police body cameras

Madigan wrong again: Workers’ compensation is a direct budget issue

By Michael Lucci

08/30/2015

Reforming Illinois’ workers’ compensation laws could save state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

TAGS: workers compensation

Leaving children alone can come with lifelong consequences for Illinois families

By Jeffrey Schwab

07/02/2015

One story shows how poorly written laws can cost responsible parents their livelihoods.

TAGS: Department of Children and Family Services

[LIVESTREAM] Joint Hearing on How our Welfare System Can Discourage Work

By illinoispolicy

06/25/2015

CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM The joint hearing will take place on Thursday, June 25, 2015, in 1100 Longworth House Office Building, beginning at 9:30 A.M. EST. Broadcast live streaming video on Ustream Congressman Charles Boustany (R-LA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the Subcommittee will...

Illinois can cut crime and prison-population growth at the same time

By Bryant Jackson-Green

05/14/2015

States across the country have made major gains on both fronts.

TAGS: prison population

Maryland

Madigan’s rules: How Illinois gives its House speaker power to manipulate and control the legislative process

Asset forfeiture in Illinois: What it is, where it happens, and reforms the state needs

Moody’s calls Safe Roads Amendment a “credit negative” for Illinois’ finances

Chicago’s total, effective tax rate on liquor is 28%

Chicago teachers highest paid among nation’s 50 largest school districts

Illinois bidding out 20,000 cameras for police

Madigan wrong again: Workers’ compensation is a direct budget issue

Leaving children alone can come with lifelong consequences for Illinois families

[LIVESTREAM] Joint Hearing on How our Welfare System Can Discourage Work

Illinois can cut crime and prison-population growth at the same time

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