CTBA experts are available to provide insight, analysis, and data to the press on a wide range of public policy issues. In addition, CTBA disseminates new research and timely updates on policy developments to the media.
What We Do
- Policy analysis and advocacy
- Empirical research
- Advice and technical assistance
- Strategic leadership in coalitions
- Legislative testimony
- Public education
State spending on higher education was cut nearly in half over 20 years after adjusting for inflation, setting the stage for today’s labor strife. Ralph Martire talks with WBEZ’s Lisa Phillips.
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CapFax sites to CTBA’s report calling for an increase in General Fund support for higher ed as key to economic mobility, equity, and Illinois growth
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In a recent interview between ISBE Superintendent Tony Sanders and the State Journal Register, CTBA’s recent EBF report that shows the evidence-based funding (EBF) formula for schools is working as intended to reduce funding gaps was brought up. Superintendent Sanders was involved in all of the modeling work around EBF and agrees with the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability: the results have been noted and have been transformative for school districts. It's an investment we need to continue to make as a state, Sanders said.
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The state’s ‘evidence-based formula,’ created in 2018 with bipartisan legislation, is sending more money to under-resourced schools, including some Downstate schools. But Illinois is behind schedule on providing the full funding the legislation calls for.
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Ralph Martire with the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability says the Governor's new proposals for increased spending in education are strong investments. Ralph Martire joined Capitol Connection Host Cole Henke to talk about the state’s fiscal health, and the challenges it still faces.
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Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, talks with Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki about the budget proposal that Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled during his State of the State address Wednesday, Feb. 15
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Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, talks with Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki about the budget proposal that Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled during his State of the State address Wednesday, Feb. 15
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CapFax highlights CTBA's response to the Governor's FY 2024 budget proposal.
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Gov. JB Pritzker proposed a $49.6 billion budget Wednesday that beefs up education at all levels and puts more money into the state’s underfunded pension plans. Ralph Martire spoke with Shia Kapos from Politico with a response.
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Illinois' evidence-based K-12 schools funding model aims to send more state resources to areas determined to be "under-resourced." At the Illinois House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability said the program deserves more funding due to its success. "What's great about having the evidence-based funding formula is we can evaluate it with data to see if it is working, and it is," Martire said. "In fact, a strong argument could be made that an even greater investment should be going in."