CPS files charges against CTU for ‘illegal’ strike
	CPS files charges against CTU for ‘illegal’ strike
	
		The union’s one-day strike is an illegal, aggressive political power play, and its attempt to coerce its members to participate violates its own constitution. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline, the law and the political statement the union is making.	
				
			By Jeffrey Schwab
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Illinois property taxes are crushing homeowners
	Illinois property taxes are crushing homeowners
	
		Since 1990, the average property-tax bill in Illinois has grown more than three times faster than the state's median household income.	
				
			By Austin Berg
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Chicago Teachers Union’s Karen Lewis: ‘I am in the 5 percent’
	Chicago Teachers Union’s Karen Lewis: ‘I am in the 5 percent’
	
		Karen Lewis, whose six-figure salary comes from teachers’ union dues, expects rank-and-file teachers to forgo part of their salaries to participate in a one-day strike.  	
				
			By Ted Dabrowski
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Job creation finally besting food-stamp enrollment in Illinois
	Job creation finally besting food-stamp enrollment in Illinois
	
		For nearly six years, Illinois was the only Midwestern state where growth in food stamps was outpacing jobs growth.	
		 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Chicago passes smokeless-tobacco ban for city ballparks
	Chicago passes smokeless-tobacco ban for city ballparks
	
		Chicago recently became the fourth city to ban smokeless tobacco at ballparks, and is home to the nation’s highest tobacco tax.	
		 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Teachers’ rights: What if someone doesn’t want to participate in CTU’s 1-day strike on April 1?
	Teachers’ rights: What if someone doesn’t want to participate in CTU’s 1-day strike on April 1?
	
		CPS teachers who are unsure about their options on April 1 can call 312-805-0969 for information or assistance.	
		 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Chicago ordinance with good intentions makes job-seeking harder for applicants who are young or black
	Chicago ordinance with good intentions makes job-seeking harder for applicants who are young or black
	
		The unintended consequences of a Chicago credit-check ordinance have harmed young and black workers, and show why lawmakers should focus on repealing the laws preventing employment for Illinoisans, rather than creating new ones.	
				
			By Mark Adams
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Governments in Illinois can take your property without charging you with a crime
	Governments in Illinois can take your property without charging you with a crime
	
		A court decision involving the government’s seizure of more than $270,000 from two Chicagoans highlights major problems with civil asset forfeiture.	
				
			By Jeffrey Schwab, Bryant Jackson-Green
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Reforms that get ex-offenders back to work – and keep them out of jail – could save Illinois millions
	Reforms that get ex-offenders back to work – and keep them out of jail – could save Illinois millions
	
		Even a very small reduction in recidivism – just 5 percent – would save Illinois taxpayers nearly $187 million over nine years. But if Illinois’ recidivism rate stays the same, taxpayers will pay approximately $5.7 billion for recidivism costs over the next five years.	
				
			By Bryant Jackson-Green
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Fitch downgrades Chicago, cites Illinois Supreme Court ruling on pension reform
	Fitch downgrades Chicago, cites Illinois Supreme Court ruling on pension reform
	
		The city’s rating from Fitch is now just one notch above junk status.	
				
			By John Klingner
		
	 
	
	
		
		
		
		
		Madigan’s middle class: Pain for the many, perks for the few
	Madigan’s middle class: Pain for the many, perks for the few
	
		Middle-class Illinoisans who aren’t employed by the government are suffering, but Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan stands in the way of solutions.	
				
			By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner