Retired state employee backs pension buyouts for Chicago police, fire
Retired state employee backs pension buyouts for Chicago police, fire
75% of property taxes raised for public safety are going to pensions instead of services.
Waste Watch: Illinois gives $500,000 to health advocacy non-profit
Waste Watch: Illinois gives $500,000 to health advocacy non-profit
A $500,000 grant from the state highlights issues in transparency and last-minute funding.
Bears deal will be a top priority for lawmakers upon return
Bears deal will be a top priority for lawmakers upon return
Legislators face enormous pressure to finalize a megaprojects bill that would spell disaster for taxpayers.
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Illinois must rein in spending
Illinois must rein in spending
Increases funded by federal COVID aid have been made permanent, causing a fiscal problem.
A Very Chicago Teachers Union Easter
A Very Chicago Teachers Union Easter
Illinois can expand opportunity with apprenticeship bill
Illinois can expand opportunity with apprenticeship bill
A measure in the General Assembly would permit cosmetology and barber apprenticeships as a pathway to a license.
Cutting red tape: Chicago makes progress, but long way to go
Cutting red tape: Chicago makes progress, but long way to go
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘Cut the Tape’ initiative has made real gains for housing in its second year. Still, the hardest reforms remain undone.
Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion
Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion
By freezing property values in a specific area, TIF districts artificially manipulate who pays the levy, leading to effective property tax hikes.
Combating fare evasion could help lagging CTA ridership
Combating fare evasion could help lagging CTA ridership
Fare evasion leads to lower revenue and higher crime. Two cities have found a way to fight it.
Illinois missing out on big savings
Illinois missing out on big savings
Adopting a state spending cap could help combat a mounting fiscal crisis.
Testimony: Lawmakers can help workers sustain careers through an evolving economy
Testimony: Lawmakers can help workers sustain careers through an evolving economy
House Bill 4882 was supported with written testimony by Josh Bandoch, head of policy at Illinois Policy.
Teachers unions in Pritzker’s ear
Teachers unions in Pritzker’s ear
A Bears stadium deal should not include lawmaker perks or raise property taxes
A Bears stadium deal should not include lawmaker perks or raise property taxes
Publicly funded stadium agreements can involve questionable incentives for politicians. The megaprojects bill in Illinois would drive up neighbors’ property taxes.