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
Ralph Martire and other policy experts agree that the state's current unemployment rate has been lower only in the two years before the pandemic, and the lowest it's ever been is 3.6% in November and December 2019, according to federal labor figures. Even then, more than half the other states
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In Ralph Martire’s recent column in the Daily Herald, he “schools” Darren Bailey on the elements of funding K-12 education and why it should not be cut.
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Cook Co. treasurer says Chicago, suburbs losing tens of millions of dollars through tax law loophole
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said millions of dollars are being drained out of minority communities by a loophole in a law that is currently on the books. Ralph Martire talks with ABC7 about the Treasurer's report.
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For the first time since Illinois created a cap on property tax hikes more than 30 years ago, local governments can seek the maximum 5% increase this year. Some financial government experts aren't so sure that many taxing bodies will seek the maximum increase. CTBA executive director Ralph Martire told the Daily Herald he thinks you'll see most taxing authorities exercise some rational judgment here and go to the level they absolutely need to make sure they're covering their growth and costs.
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Daily Herald Guest columnist Ralph Martire summarizes some of the major elements of the Inflation Reduction Act.
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Guest Columnist Ralph Martire addresses racial discrimination and economic disinvestment in federal, state and local housing policies.
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Between the state, counties and local governments in Illinois, more than $14 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act is expected to be divvied up and spent over the next four years. Ralph Martire talked with John Howell, on "The John Howell Show" on WLS Chicago-890 AM, about how some towns been spending their COVID relief funds. If you missed the segment, you can listen now at the following link: https://omny.fm/shows/the-john-howell-show/where-did-the-covid-relief-dollars-go-in-the-chica
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Ralph Martire breaks down how some of the relief funds may have been spent.
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Chicago schools get smaller share of state funding after enrollment drop and property wealth increase. Ralph Martire talked with Chalkbeat on why Chicago moved from Tier 1 to Tier 2, which effectively puts it further back in line for new money.
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It should come as a surprise to no one that vacant and abandoned properties, which are located in every area of the state, are a major economic and societal problem. After all, nothing good happens on abandoned property. Guest Columnist Ralph Martire addresses racial discrimination and economic disinvestment in federal, state and local housing policies.