How Illinois has changed under Pritzker

By Dylan Sharkey

01/05/2026

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is acting like the 2028 Democratic candidate for president. But what does Pritzker’s Illinois resume say about his leadership?

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

Illinois has the nation’s worst public pension crisis. Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute shows Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable and threaten retirees and taxpayers, underscoring the need for reform.

No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.

By Charlotte Rotkis

07/25/2025

Illinois just ranked as having the highest property tax rate in the country. Property taxes in Illinois are an especially heavy burden without the tradeoff seen in states such as Texas or New Hampshire, where there are either no sales taxes or income taxes.

TAGS: property taxes

Pension debt limits teacher pay, hurts recruitment in Illinois

By LyLena Estabine

07/09/2025

Money that could help address the teacher shortage is often the first to get cut in pursuit of keeping up with government pension debt. Supporting Illinois teachers will require constitutional pension reform and protecting Tier 2 cost savings.

TAGS: education, pensions

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July? Nope. We should always call it Independence Day. It reminds us of what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Independence Day

Call it Independence Day — the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/03/2025

We too often call it the “Fourth of July” and lose sight of its true meaning – independence. Independence from tyranny and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending

By LyLena Estabine

05/29/2025

Since 2017, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has cut the property tax rate to 1.93% by cutting costs and spending smarter – a playbook other Illinois cities should copy.

Illinois’ corporate tax already too high, but Springfield pushes for more

By Ravi Mishra

05/28/2025

If Illinois state lawmakers follow the Chicago Teachers Union’s push for a 7.92% base corporate tax rate, it can severely hurt Illinois’ competitiveness. Job creators do not need another reason to abandon Illinois.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, jobs, taxes

Chicago Teachers Union pushes $7.3B in taxes on Illinoisans

By Patrick Andriesen

04/30/2025

The Chicago Teachers Union and its partners are pushing nine new or higher taxes that could end up costing Illinoisans $7.3 billion more starting July 1. Their scheme to fill a proposed state budget deficit is likely to backfire and shrink the tax base.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

Vallas: Pritzker, Johnson keep playing Trump card

By Paul Vallas

04/25/2025

Deep-blue Illinois had President Biden to bail out the state’s and Chicago’s financial failings. Now city and state leaders have President Trump to blame for their financial failings. Eventually, taxpayers will be held responsible.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, JB Pritzker

New Jersey

How Illinois has changed under Pritzker

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.

Pension debt limits teacher pay, hurts recruitment in Illinois

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

Call it Independence Day — the meaning matters

Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending

Illinois’ corporate tax already too high, but Springfield pushes for more

Chicago Teachers Union pushes $7.3B in taxes on Illinoisans

Vallas: Pritzker, Johnson keep playing Trump card

Taxed out: 10 reforms to stop Illinois from losing people and jobs

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students