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
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.
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The Schaumburg Township District Library hosted an Illinois Public Pension discussion on May 10, 2022. Panel members included Carol Portman of the Taxpayer's Federation of Illinois as the moderator, Adam Schuster of Illinois Policy Institute, and Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.
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Tens of thousand of Illinois children sank into poverty after monthly federal child tax credit payments ended. With inflation squeezing Illinois families, the General Assembly should take action. So should Congress.
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Ralph Martire’s February column summarizes Governor Pritzker's proposed budget plan and from a fiscal responsibility standpoint there’s much to like in what the governor put on the table, starting with how he proposes to use the unexpected on-budget surplus that’s materialized in the current
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Ralph Martire summarizes Governor Pritzker's proposed budget plan and from a fiscal responsibility standpoint there’s much to like in what the governor put on the table, starting with how he proposes to use the unexpected on-budget surplus that’s materialized in the current fiscal year.
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Budget experts, including CTBA’s Ralph Martire, respond to Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget proposal. Budget experts said Pritzker was prudent to focus on using one-time funds for one-time expenses, such as making the extra pension payment and sunsetting the tax relief after one year.
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CTBA’s EITC report is mentioned in the Economic Security for Illinois’ response to Governor’s Pritzker’s budget proposal.