Madigan’s millions: How the speaker sells his sway

By Austin Berg

02/08/2017

The speaker’s law firm makes millions in the clout-heavy game of Cook County property tax appeals.

Hastert will continue receiving $28K pension from Illinois lawmakers’ pension fund

By Amy Korte

04/29/2016

Despite being sentenced to 15 months in prison for a financial crime intended to cover up his sexual abuse of high school students, former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert will continue to receive $28,000 annual pension payments for his six years as an Illinois state representative.

TAGS: corruption, GARS: General Assembly Retirement System, pensions

Coming up short: What if Illinois’ pension funds miss their investment targets?

By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner

11/02/2015

Without real reforms, low investment yearly returns of 4 to 6 percent over the next 28 years could cost Illinois taxpayers anywhere from $100 billion to $200 billion above what they’re already expected to pay in contributions.

The next municipal bankruptcy?

By John Klingner

11/15/2013

Yet another city is heading toward bankruptcy. Desert Hot Springs, Calif., a city of 26,000 in the south-central part of the state, warned it could run out of money as soon as March 2014. If that occurs, the city could be forced to file for bankruptcy. If that happens, Desert Hot Springs will be the...

TAGS: bankruptcy, Desert Hot Springs, pensions

Lessons from Vallejo: Don’t avoid pension reforms

By Ted Dabrowski

10/08/2013

Illinois legislators and local officials could learn a thing or two from California cities that have buckled under the weight of too much debt. The first is if they don’t implement reforms early enough, bankruptcy for the city of Chicago and other municipalities may be unavoidable. In California, both Stockton and San Bernardino were forced...

U.S. GDP contracts for first time since 2009

12/31/2012

Economy shrinks for first time since recession ends

TAGS: GDP: gross domestic product

Study Guide: Chicago Teachers Union strike

By Chris Andriesen

09/18/2012

Institute Experts on the Chicago Teachers Union Strike A meditation on the Chicago Way The CTU strike has ended and a lot of people are asking: “what happened?” Five things you need to know about Chicago Public Schools Five critical facts to keep in mind during the CTU strike. Cheat Sheet: Chicago Public Schools A...

Reuters: Tough tactics leave Emanuel bruised in fight with Chicago teachers

09/18/2012

There is room to debate who won the battle between Chicago and its striking teachers union but there is little disagreement the strike and the deal approved by union members on Tuesday mark a personal loss for Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

French Unions Protesting Pension Reform

10/04/2010

by Amanda Griffin-Johnson Over the weekend, unions in France protested pension reform plans, which include raising the retirement age from 60 to 62. The reforms are an effort to maintain France’s AAA credit rating and limit the growing public debt. But the reforms are rubbing some the wrong way. Reuters reports: The unions and the left-wing opposition say the...

Reuters

Madigan’s millions: How the speaker sells his sway

Hastert will continue receiving $28K pension from Illinois lawmakers’ pension fund

Coming up short: What if Illinois’ pension funds miss their investment targets?

The next municipal bankruptcy?

Lessons from Vallejo: Don’t avoid pension reforms

U.S. GDP contracts for first time since 2009

Study Guide: Chicago Teachers Union strike

Reuters: Tough tactics leave Emanuel bruised in fight with Chicago teachers

French Unions Protesting Pension Reform

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