Above the law: Amendment 1 would let government unions void over 350 Illinois laws

By Mailee Smith, Perry Zhao

04/05/2022

Amendment 1 would allow government unions to nullify hundreds of Illinois statutes – including laws aimed at protecting school children – simply by contradicting them in union contracts.

Police union contracts hinder discipline in Illinois’ biggest cities

By Mailee Smith

04/21/2021

Both police reform advocates and law enforcement supporters face the same serious obstacle in Illinois: police union contracts include provisions protecting officers from discipline. Those contracts carry more weight than state law.

How Illinois’ collective bargaining rules protect police misconduct

By Mailee Smith

07/14/2020

Illinois students should return to classrooms this fall

By Amy Korte

07/13/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker should set the expectation that Illinois schools will welcome students back to campus full-time for the 2020-2021 school year.

TAGS: emergency, executive order, JB Pritzker, K-12, public schools, stay at home order

Special report: Illinois must act now to guard against COVID-19 financial fallout

By Adam Schuster

03/17/2020

Due to its poor financial health and lagging economy, Illinois carries unique economic and fiscal risks from a prolonged market downturn or recession. The state must act now to mitigate harm from COVID-19.

Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity

By Mailee Smith, Joe Tabor

11/01/2018

AFSCME Council 31, its PAC and AFSCME headquarters are major political players, funneling millions of dollars every year to Democrats or self-proclaimed progressive organizations.

Budget Solutions 2019: The responsible budget for Illinois

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill, Joe Tabor

02/06/2018

Even after a 32 percent income tax hike, the Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget in 2017 that will generate an estimated $1.5 billion deficit in fiscal year 2018. That deficit is projected to grow to $2.15 billion in fiscal year 2019, according to the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, or GOMB. The...

Illinois’ youth problem: More millennials left Illinois than any other age demographic from 2011 through 2014

By Madelyn Harwood

05/17/2017

By fixing cost drivers, decreasing the cost of doing business in Illinois, and easing the tax burden, Illinois can encourage jobs growth and stand a better chance at attracting and retaining younger people.

Chicago’s food-cart ban costs revenue, jobs

By Michael Lucci, Hilary Gowins

09/09/2015

Chicago’s ban on food carts is costing the city jobs and revenue. The city has fallen behind its peers: Street vending from food carts is already legal in 23 of the 25 largest cities in the U.S. The Illinois Policy Institute conducted a survey of nearly 200 Chicago food-cart street vendors to assess the social...

The right to quit could give teachers unions their credibility back

By Paul Kersey

11/21/2014

What could be a lively debate among educators has become a dull monologue directed by entrenched union officials. Teachers unions have a lot to learn from other professional groups.

TAGS: labor, teacher salaries, unions

The Washington Post

Above the law: Amendment 1 would let government unions void over 350 Illinois laws

Police union contracts hinder discipline in Illinois’ biggest cities

How Illinois’ collective bargaining rules protect police misconduct

Illinois students should return to classrooms this fall

Special report: Illinois must act now to guard against COVID-19 financial fallout

Madigan’s money: AFSCME spending trail reveals extensive and hidden political activity

Budget Solutions 2019: The responsible budget for Illinois

Illinois’ youth problem: More millennials left Illinois than any other age demographic from 2011 through 2014

Chicago’s food-cart ban costs revenue, jobs

The right to quit could give teachers unions their credibility back

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