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
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.
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Ralph Martire's recent column addresses inflation and rising gas prices.
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Illinois' richest resident announced Thursday he was jumping ship to South Florida, but how much will the move affect the state’s tax coffers? Losing out on one taxpayer’s loot, even the state’s wealthiest resident, would amount to a “rounding error” in a state with a $46.5 billion budget, said Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax & Budget Accountability. Carol Portman, president of the Taxpayers' Federation agreed, saying “that’s real money, but it’s not devastating.”
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Video: Jesse Sharkey, the outgoing president of the Chicago Teachers Union; Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; and Laurence Msall, president of The Civic Federation join “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the Chicago Public Schools budget for the coming year. (Produced by Jennifer Cotto)
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Since Illinois sportsbooks began taking bets in March 2020, gamblers have lost more than $812 million wagering on various games, matches, tournaments and races. Ralph Martire, executive director of the bipartisan Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, said there are other risks to state budgets when legislatures allow more gambling opportunities such as sports wagering.
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The gap between white students and others has been narrowing, but teacher pay makes it unsustainable
Ralph Martire’s column in the Daily Herald highlights the national teach shortage caused in large part by inadequate pay.