Illinois has the most police and fire pension funds in the country, and many are underfunded. Use our tool to see how your town’s funds measure up.
Policy
Examining Another Plan to Shift Pension Costs Back to Schools
Rauner’s proposal to shift state pension obligations for educators back to their employers, local school systems and universities isn’t new or unique to Republicans.
Doubek: Let’s Try Opening Up Ballots and Primaries
Why should you have to tell an election judge you’re a Democrat or Republican?
Hate Asking for One Party’s Ballot? Here’s How It’s Done Elsewhere
Every primary election, we hear complaints from family and friends about the fact that they have to ask an election judge for a Democratic, Republican, or Green party ballot. That isn’t so in other states.
Shaw: Illinois Primary Reveals Election Flaws That Need Fixin’
We’re lamenting the system’s failure to give candidates and voters the election they deserve in a healthy democracy, and promoting reforms to consider in the run-up to November.
Leven: Community Commission for Public Safety is Reform with a Capital-R
The Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability has thrown another major proposal into the mix of Chicago police reform efforts. What is the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability and might it bring some stability to a volatile period for Chicago police oversight?
Doubek: Push Politicians on New Effort to End Illinois Gerrymandering
Illinois lawmakers could easily vote to give us a chance to end corrupt gerrymandering, but will they? And will we demand it?
Shaw: Time for a Watchdog at Metropolitan Water District
Is the government branch that cleans our water ready to clean up its own act?
Doubek: Bipartisan Women Work to Improve Ethics Process
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Shaw: Three Steps to Fix Illinois’ Broken Budget Process
In the eyes of multiple fiscal experts, the budget process is objectively flawed—a case study in worst practices.
