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
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- Strategic leadership in coalitions
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Recently, Governor Bruce Rauner and many of his strongest Republican supporters in the General Assembly have made it a point to urge voters who live in central and southern Illinois, and the legislators who represent them, to "stand up against the Chicago political machine" and refuse to allow their tax dollars to be used "to bailout the City of Chicago." Superficially, this message most likely resonates with many who live in the communities where it gets delivered.
CTBA Executive Director Ralph Martire makes the case that the most fertile area for a budget compromise is education funding reform. Any permanent fix to the state's structural deficit requires bipartisan cooperation as a practical matter. What's necessary to get to bipartisan cooperation are
CTBA Executive Director Ralph Martire makes the case that the most fertile area for a budget compromise is education funding reform. Any permanent fix to the state's structural deficit requires bipartisan cooperation as a practical matter. What's necessary to get to bipartisan cooperation are
One of the hottest topics in play when Reboot Illinois was founded in 2012 was debate over a possible Illinois progressive tax system.
The progressive tax debate on April 15 roared back into action as Democratic lawmakers proposed two pieces of legislation that, in tandem, would both
Last week, state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, presented a progressive tax plan that he said would bring in nearly $2 billion more to help pay for social services. The lawmaker said his plan would mean a cut for 99 percent of taxpayers.
Most Republicans oppose such proposals, saying they
Last year, politicians passed a budget with a $4 billion deficit. Earlier this year, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan suggested raising the state income tax back to 5%. Then Speaker Madigan (again) proposed a new tax on job creators, calling it the Millionaire’s Tax. Now, politicians
Dick Kay recently discussed the status, politics, and impact of Illinois' current financial condition with guest Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the Center for Tax and
CTBA Executive Director Ralph Martire was interviewed by CBS Chicago's investigative reporter Dave Savini in Channel 2 News's continuing story about CPS coaches using public facilities and gym to operate private sports clubs. "A private sector entity was basically permitted to profit and profit
The Chicago Tribune reports on a financial maneuver by the City of Chicago that may result in a significant budgetary shortfall next year. The city's 2016 budget makes the assumption that the Governor will sign SB 777, which extends the time in which the police and firefighters' pension funds
Individuals with criminal backgrounds experience a greater disadvantage in transitioning back into society. Ex-offenders face a magnitude of restrictions during their probationary period, including limited employment opportunities and exclusion from receiving support with basic needs such as