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
A conversation on race and politics featuring Roosevelt University Rubloff Professor and CTBA Executive Director Ralph Martire and Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson. This program was recorded by Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV).
Posted In:
Illinois is one of the very few states that exempts all retirement income from taxation. It is the state’s most expensive exemption, costing Illinois more than $2 billion in foregone annual revenue. From a tax policy standpoint, this makes no sense—all types of income should be treated equally
Posted In:
Too often, major policy initiatives get framed as "either-or" propositions. This is understandable, given how politically driven the legislative process is. Portraying a potential reform as a stark choice between doing what's right, or supporting an alternative that's wrong, is a great way to instill party discipline and gain political advantage. It also ignores the reality that in most complex policy areas, following best practices usually incorporates more of a "both-and" approach, than the politically favored "either-or." A tax systems should incorporate revenue sources that promote both: tax fairness, by responding to ability to pay; and fiscal stability, by ensuring revenues don't fall too precipitously during poor economic cycles. This isn't a cause of "either-or," but rather "both-and."
Posted In:
Laurence Msall, President of the Civic Federation and Ralph Martire, Executive Director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability joined Newsviews this week.
Posted In:
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday delivered his first budget address in which he
Posted In:
A guest post from Illinois PIRG quotes Ralph Martire on the importance of a rational economic base for revenue in support of a new PIRG report on corporate tax loopholes.
Posted In:
Pritzker stumped on a progressive income tax, and Republicans don’t have the votes to block it. The stars may have finally aligned for a graduated plan in Illinois. An article on the graduated income tax cites CTBA's report, arguing that Illinois' current tax system does not generate enough
Posted In:
Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office Monday as Illinois’ 43rd governor, putting a Democrat back in the governor’s mansion after four years under Republican rule.
In a speech directly following his inauguration, held at the Bank of Springfield Center, he emphasized the need for Republicans and
Posted In:
JB Pritzker was sworn in as governor Monday afternoon, January 14, 2019, at a packed arena in Springfield, but the honeymoon might not last very long, as even Democratic allies acknowledge he faces the tough task of filling a “pretty large hole” in the state budget.
Ralph Martire,