Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M
Illinois’ pension bonanza: invest $166K, take home $5.5M
Being in the top 10 of Illinois’ five statewide pension systems is an investor’s dream and a taxpayer’s nightmare. The median investment is shy of $166,000, but the estimated lifetime payout is $5.5 million.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying
Illinois bill would allow 10 paid days off from teaching for union lobbying
Illinois lawmakers passed a bill giving teachers 10 paid days off for union advocacy if elected to union leadership positions.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state
Illinoisans of every age, income bracket moving out of state
The bulk of those leaving Illinois are aged 26-54 and their dependents.
By Bryce Hill
California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
California considers misleading labor amendment modeled after Illinois’ Amendment 1
Illinois labor leaders claimed their push to enshrine public union supremacy in the Illinois Constitution was the “blueprint” for other states. Now both California and Pennsylvania are following Illinois’ lead.
By Mailee Smith
NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax
NASCAR ticket price up to $272 higher thanks to Chicago tax
The typical racing fan will pay an extra $22 for general admission to Chicago’s NASCAR “Street Race Weekend” thanks to the city’s amusement tax. Luxury seating could cost residents more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield
Chicago Teachers Union repeatedly pushes for tax hikes in Springfield
The Chicago Teachers Union registered its opinion on legislation more than 1,360 times in just six legislative sessions. Its legislative priorities would drive up taxes and make government more expensive, no matter where you live in Illinois.
By Mailee Smith
CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions
CTU told lawmakers what to do over 1,360 times in just 6 legislative sessions
The Chicago Teachers Union pours money into political campaigns, but that isn’t all. It also pressures lawmakers to abide by its legislative agenda. It’s a one-two political punch: helping elect lawmakers and then telling them what to do.
By Mailee Smith
One-third of SEIU workers reject union membership
One-third of SEIU workers reject union membership
It could be because less than 22% of SEIU HCII’s spending is on representing workers – what should be the core purpose of the union.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college
Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college
The graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates in Chicago were below the statewide average in 2022. Reading and math SAT scores were also below the Illinois average. Other large districts in Cook and the collar counties performed better.
By Hannah Schmid
Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies
Chicago households making $100K targeted by Brandon Johnson allies
An ominously titled document by close confidants of new Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states the new administration’s top priority is to take more money from households making $100,000 or more to fund what they claim is a “just Chicago.”
By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson