Chicago Public Schools was already projecting annual budget deficits in excess of $500 million in coming years. The new Chicago Teachers Union contract costs will grow the deficit to nearly $1 billion
Many Illinois towns are rushing to extend the 1% grocery tax. See below if your town is one of them. The statewide tax ends in 2026, but local governments can choose to retain it without asking their residents for permission.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal slashes general funds for economic development while relying on federal dollars to mask the cuts. This move raises doubts about the governor’s fiscal priorities.
The Chicago Teachers Union election has two groups competing to lead one of the most militant unions in the nation. CTU has a hand in federal, state and local politics.
More than half of Illinois voters said high taxes were the No. 1 concern for the state, according to an Illinois Policy Institute poll. Of those polled, nearly half said they would also move out of the state if given the chance.
With $18.5 billion of the city’s $52.4 billion shortfall driven by interest on pension debt, it’s clear Illinois’ largest city needs the state to pass constitutional pension reform.
The Chicago Teachers Union and its partners are pushing nine new or higher taxes that could end up costing Illinoisans $7.3 billion more starting July 1. Their scheme to fill a proposed state budget deficit is likely to backfire and shrink the tax base.
It's been a year since Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released his ‘Cut the Tape’ report to boost affordable housing and economic growth. Little of the red tape has been removed.
Illinois students will struggle throughout their educations when 7 in 10 third-graders cannot read at grade level. Illinois Policy supports and submitted testimony in favor of a bill to train Illinois teachers in ‘science of reading’ methods to boost early-grade literacy.
Chicago Public Schools teachers hired before 2017 only pay 2% of the required employee contribution for their pensions. The other 7% is picked up by the district, costing $135 million in 2025.
Reports that give Illinois pensions a rotten grade are not evidence government workers need better benefits. What they need is a properly managed, financially solid system. Adding more costs to a fiscal mess helps no one.
Illinois’ top 50 state pensioners can expect an average lifetime payout of $8.47 million despite just $333,844 being contributed during their careers. That’s $1 in, $25 out, thanks to taxpayers.
The Chicago Teachers Union is encouraging students and staff to miss school for a political rally, which includes protests against McDonald’s restaurants and guacamole.
Deep-blue Illinois had President Biden to bail out the state’s and Chicago’s financial failings. Now city and state leaders have President Trump to blame for their financial failings. Eventually, taxpayers will be held responsible.