Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2021

Illinois has a chance to fix its state finances, thanks to federal relief. But unless pension growth is brought under control, both retirees and taxpayers will be at risk as debt continues to consume state services.

Pritzker, other top Democrats want Madigan out as party leader

11/06/2020

On the heels of losing his signature “fair tax,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants House Speaker Mike Madigan out as the state Democratic leader. Both U.S. senators also make that call.

TAGS: corruption, fair tax, House Speaker, Illinois House of Representatives, JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan

COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts

06/24/2020

Peoria’s financial problems grew critical from the coronavirus, but the long-term threat of pension debt will remain even after more severe cuts are made.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, Peoria, recession

FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant

By Austin Berg

11/13/2019

The FBI wiretap of Mike McClain's phone is an indication authorities could be looking into criminal activity between House Speaker Mike Madigan and utility giant ComEd.

TAGS: ComEd, corruption, Martin Sandoval, Michael McClain, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain

Federal agents looking for Madigan documents in ComEd probe

By Austin Berg

10/24/2019

As previously undisclosed subpoena adds another angle to federal agents’ activity surrounding the longtime House speaker and chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

TAGS: City Club of Chicago, ComEd, corruption, FBI: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jay Doherty, JB Pritzker, Kevin Quinn, Michael Zalewski, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain

Peoria residents face new property tax fee devoted entirely to pensions

09/24/2019

The city of Peoria is adding a new fee to residents’ property tax bills to help shore up the city’s public safety pensions.

TAGS: fees, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, Peoria, taxes

City of Springfield needs $269M in tax hikes to fund pensions

09/17/2019

The city of Springfield needs nearly $270 million more in revenue to meet the required contributions to its pension funds for retired police officers and firefighters.

TAGS: budget, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions, property taxes, taxes

Pritzker signs AFSCME deal costing taxpayers $3.6 billion more than it needed to

By Adam Schuster

08/29/2019

By continuing practices such as automatic raises and taxpayer-subsidized platinum health insurance, along with a new $2,500 bonus, the AFSCME contract will transfer more than $3.6 billion in extra compensation from taxpayers to state workers.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, contract, health insurance, municipal pensions, pension guarantee, pensions

FBI raids home of Madigan confidant in third search surrounding the speaker

By Austin Berg

07/18/2019

Do federal authorities have their sights set on the longest-serving state legislative leader in American history?

TAGS: Kevin Quinn, Madigan & Getzendanner, Michael Zalewski, Mike Madigan, Mike McClain

Feds raid former Chicago alderman’s home in search of Madigan records

By Austin Berg

07/13/2019

The raid on retired Chicago Ald. Michael Zalewski is the latest indication federal authorities could be building a case against the nation’s longest-serving speaker.

TAGS: ComEd, Exelon, Madigan & Getzendanner, Michael McClain, Mike Madigan

The State Journal-Register

Illinois Forward 2022: COVID-19 makes pension reform imperative to protecting taxpayers, services for vulnerable Illinoisans

Pritzker, other top Democrats want Madigan out as party leader

COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts

FBI wiretapped cellphone of close Madigan confidant

Federal agents looking for Madigan documents in ComEd probe

Peoria residents face new property tax fee devoted entirely to pensions

City of Springfield needs $269M in tax hikes to fund pensions

Pritzker signs AFSCME deal costing taxpayers $3.6 billion more than it needed to

FBI raids home of Madigan confidant in third search surrounding the speaker

Feds raid former Chicago alderman’s home in search of Madigan records

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