Bill Graham
Bill Graham
"[Amendment 1] essentially codifies into the constitution rights for unions that go far beyond what citizens have as rights. And I just think that’s inappropriate because the constitution was established for the citizens."
Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.
Illinois already has most extreme labor laws in U.S.
Illinois law already allows some government union contracts to override state law. Amendment 1 would allow all government union contracts to do so.
Property taxes rise nearly $4B under Pritzker
Property taxes rise nearly $4B under Pritzker
Illinoisans will have paid an extra $3.94 billion in property taxes during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s term. Four years ago he campaigned on a promise of property tax relief.
Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office
Patronage oversight ends for Cook County assessor’s office
On Nov. 1 a federal judge decided to end decades-long patronage hiring oversight of the Cook County assessor’s office. Cronyism and patronage remain in Illinois, despite some government offices escaping federal court oversight.
Amendment 1: The legislative process
Amendment 1: The legislative process
Jeanne Weber
Jeanne Weber
“Amendment 1 will only make our taxes worse and it will further solidify the pension clause into the constitution so we can't do anything about it. And we will be barred from getting our budget under control.”
5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1
5 news outlets say voters should reject Amendment 1
The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and News-Gazette all said voters should say ‘no’ to Amendment 1. They see it as giving government unions power to force higher taxes and weaker laws.
Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.
Amendment 1 isn’t about taxes? The public pension crisis begs to differ.
Nothing about property taxes in Amendment 1? There’s nothing about the cost in most of what Illinois politicians pass, but there’s usually a surprise for taxpayers hidden somewhere.
Who is running for judge in Illinois?
Who is running for judge in Illinois?
On Nov. 8, Illinoisans will vote for important judge positions, including three Illinois Supreme Court justices and 16 appellate court judges. Their decisions impact daily life, yet about 25% of voters leave their ballots blank when they get to the judges.
DCFS failures to protect children could get worse under Amendment 1
DCFS failures to protect children could get worse under Amendment 1
Child deaths, contempt of court citations and an employee facing child porn charges beleaguer the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Now government unions are pushing Amendment 1, which could void 11 child protection laws.
Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1
Crain’s becomes 5th major newspaper to say vote ‘no’ on Amendment 1
Crain’s Chicago Business’ editorial board is endorsing a ‘no’ vote on Amendment 1. Two Crain’s columnists did so, also, because of the unchecked power it would grant government unions.
Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges
Madigan pleads not guilty to corruption charges
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, denied all corruption accusations brought against them. Federal prosecutors said Madigan used his position to run a criminal enterprise.
Busting 3 myths in the ‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ ads
Busting 3 myths in the ‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ ads
Down to the wire, and three myths are still being pushed by 'Workers' Rights Amendment' advocates. Affects all workers? False. Other states do it? False. Won't increase property taxes? False.
Ep. 60: How the ‘workers’ rights amendment’ hurts 93% of Illinois workers
Ep. 60: How the ‘workers’ rights amendment’ hurts 93% of Illinois workers
With only a few days left until Election Day, Illinois’ government unions continue to tout Amendment 1, a proposed constitutional amendment at the top of the Nov. 8 ballot. Amendment 1’s chief sponsor admitted the amendment cannot protect all Illinois workers — so why are proponents still saying it can? Mailee Smith, director of labor...