Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

04/16/2026

Panelists will walk attendees through the state-level budget process, from drafting to passage. The goal is to combat misinformation by demystifying how government works and highlighting ways residents can engage through civic action.

03/05/2026

A new by report by CTBA explains why a graduated rate income tax structure would be beneficial to Illinois. Read more:

Illinois is suffering from a long-term structural deficit in its General Fund that cannot be eliminated without either cutting important core services that families across the state rely on, or implementing new progressive revenue streams. Given that Illinois is already low spending on services when...

12/17/2025

“Gov. Pritzker remains committed to addressing Illinois’ pension challenges and will continue to work with the General Assembly to build on this progress.” Tier 2 benefits are close to falling below comparable Social Security payouts and have to be increased, according to federal law. “They do need to do a Tier 2 fix,” says Ralph Martire.

“Gov. Pritzker remains committed to addressing Illinois’ pension challenges and will continue to work with the General Assembly to build on this progress.” Tier 2 benefits are close to falling below comparable Social Security payouts and have to be increased, according to federal law. “They ...

12/02/2025

After Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, there is uniting 10,000+ organizations worldwide under one common purpose: to give back by supporting your favorite charities.

CTBA’s work has supported equitable policies for 25 years, and we have more work to do. Donate to CTBA’s campaign to support our staff and our work all year long, and for many years to come.

Support Our Work Giving to CTBA is investing in the future of Illinois. Our work is nonpartisan and goes beyond ideological lines to promote social and economic justice for all. Your donation allows us to continue vital research that lawmakers depend on in shaping state legislation.

10/13/2025

CTBA and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, will host a panel discussion on the future of higher education in Illinois. The program will bring together experts to examine challenges and opportunities facing Illinois colleges and universities, including funding, access, affordability, and the role of higher education in driving economic growth and civic life.

08/28/2025

New Blog: In the last 25 years, tuition at Illinois’ public universities have dramatically increased—more than doubling in inflation adjusted terms. This has put significant pressure on students and their families, exacerbating the amount of debt many must take on in order to get their degree. CTBA takes a look at which students are affected the most and what state policymakers could do to ease the debt burden for future students in Illinois.

Read the full post:

By Raymond Ha, Higher Education Research Intern

08/12/2025

CTBA's Executive Director Ralph Martire joins Brandis Friedman today on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight." Panelists will discuss the city's pension bill and how it may impact city finances.

This segment will air at 5:30 pm CT on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Watch it live at:

Watch and listen to Chicago Tonight live on your mobile device, streaming to your smart TV, or on your computer.

07/28/2025

WGN's Lisa Dent will host Ralph Martire today on the Lisa Dent Show on 720 AM to explain the portion of the Trump Administration's big bill regarding the raising of the limit taxpayers can deduct from their state and local tax bill.

Listen today at 3:17 pm CDT on AM 720 or

A native of Rockford, Lisa Dent began her radio career in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin in 1981. She has worked at stations in Minneapolis, San Diego, Seattle, and Houston. Dent returned to Chicago in 2002 and previously hosted at country music stations WUSN 99.5, US99, and Big 95.5. Lisa Dent was induct...

06/27/2025

CTBA Responds to Illinois' FY 2026 Enacted General Fund Budget

On May 31, 2025, the Illinois General Assembly passed a $55.1 billion General Fund budget for FY 2026 (the “FY 2026 GF Budget”). Of that $55.1 billion in total appropriations, roughly $15.9 billion, or 29 percent, cover “hard costs” the state must pay, because they’re required by law. The ...

04/16/2025

CTBA Fiscal Symposium is underway. Experts discuss higher education funding in Illinois