Vallas: Hunger strike saved school, but academic neglect starves students
Vallas: Hunger strike saved school, but academic neglect starves students
The Chicago Teachers Union’s refusal to close near-empty schools and push for more “sustainable community schools” is hurting student achievement. CTU is about adding members and escaping accountability, not about what’s best for Chicago students.
By Paul Vallas
Congress wants largest teachers union to pick kids over politics
Congress wants largest teachers union to pick kids over politics
A bill in Congress would hold the National Education Association accountable, forcing it to once more put students and educators first or risk losing its special status as a chartered organization.
By Rich Witzel
Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes
Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes
Despite record revenues, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget hikes taxes by another $482 million. Illinoisans are paying 44% more than six years ago and getting higher tax burdens as thanks.
By Ravi Mishra
State government salaries have grown 57% faster than private sector since 2021
State government salaries have grown 57% faster than private sector since 2021
State employees represented by AFSCME Council 31 received an automatic annual raise on July 1, highlighting the salary discrepancy between government and private sector workers.
By Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill
Chicago pension sweetener would add $11.1 billion in liabilities
Chicago pension sweetener would add $11.1 billion in liabilities
State lawmakers boosted benefits for Chicago police and firefighters in the final days of the legislative session. Gov. J.B. Pritzker should reject this bill, or else it will add billions in debt to an already struggling city.
By LyLena Estabine
Illinois’ unemployment rank hits 12th in U.S.: best since pandemic
Illinois’ unemployment rank hits 12th in U.S.: best since pandemic
Illinois was No. 12 in the U.S. for its June unemployment rate. It’s not been ranked that low since before the pandemic. Still, the state trails the national average thanks to anemic private-sector growth.
By Jack Knorr
Vallas: Work-study changes futures of Chicago’s at-risk youth
Vallas: Work-study changes futures of Chicago’s at-risk youth
Summer jobs programs are not enough to keep Chicago’s youth out of trouble. To reach their potential, a year-round answer is needed. Paid apprenticeships or other work-study need to become part of public education.
By Paul Vallas
No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.
No. 2 no more: Illinois property taxes rank highest in U.S.
Illinois just ranked as having the highest property tax rate in the country. Property taxes in Illinois are an especially heavy burden without the tradeoff seen in states such as Texas or New Hampshire, where there are either no sales taxes or income taxes.
By Charlotte Rotkis
5 years later, Metra, CTA, Pace nowhere near pre-COVID levels
5 years later, Metra, CTA, Pace nowhere near pre-COVID levels
Ridership on Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace is still down 30% from pre-pandemic levels. The agency overseeing all three needs to look at spending before demanding $1.5 billion from taxpayers.
By Ravi Mishra, Dylan Sharkey, Charlotte Rotkis
Illinois Federation of Teachers likes trans restrooms; dislikes cops, charter schools
Illinois Federation of Teachers likes trans restrooms; dislikes cops, charter schools
The Illinois Federation of Teachers, the parent union of the Chicago Teachers Union, should be worried about the three Rs, but its main R is “radicalism.” Transgender restrooms, defunding the police and getting rid of charter schools top its radical agenda.
By Lilly Rossi
Chicago Teachers Union president fails to pay her bills… again
Chicago Teachers Union president fails to pay her bills… again
Despite Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates’ constant demands for “wealthy” taxpayers to pay their “fair share,” she is behind on her city water, sewer and trash bills once again. She makes $265,150 a year.
By Lilly Rossi
Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge
Oak Park natural gas ban faces legal challenge
In 2024, Oak Park, Illinois, went where Mayor Brandon Johnson tried to take Chicago – banning all natural gas connections in new building projects. The high cost of this inconsequential, feel-good move is getting legal pushback.
By Jerry Barmore
Illinois 3X taxes on Juul, Elf Bar, ZYN products to fund more spending
Illinois 3X taxes on Juul, Elf Bar, ZYN products to fund more spending
In another short-term revenue move, Illinois lawmakers July 1 turned to vape and other nicotine product tax hikes to allow ever-more spending. Taxes on vape products went from 15% to 45% of the wholesale cost.
By Ravi Mishra