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
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State Senate President John Cullerton claimed that the state pension crisis isn’t really a crisis at all. “John is right, in the sense that the big problem is the loss of $5.2 billion in revenue against a budget deficit that stands today at $8.9 billion,” said Ralph Martire, executive director
Ralph Martire, executive director of the Chicago-based Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, said Emanuel is "asking for relief in the wrong way." The mayor "just wants the burden to be cut so he can get through the budget cycle."
Among proponents of a graduated income tax is the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, which argues a graduated tax would provide a more stable revenue stream...
graduated income tax in Illinois "would be a disaster for the Illinois economy" that would hurt small business and
The progressive tax, according to CTBA could lower the marginal tax rate of 94 percent of the state's taxpayers.
Illinois’ fiscal misery is a result of legislative choices, not economic circumstances. As long as the same leaders keep making essentially the same choices, the fiscal gap between Iowa and Illinois will keep growing much wider.
Parents United for Responsible Education was pleased to co-sponsor a forum featuring state budget expert Ralph Martire, of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, whose information was important to share.
League of Women Voters hosted debate at the North Suburban Library District on a proposed constitutional amendment for a fair tax allowing higher rates on higher incomes and lower rates on lower incomes.
State Senator Dave Syverson and Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability spoke out with differing opinions.
Ralph Martire with the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability spoke at a League of Women Voters forum on September 26, 2013, at Quincy University's North Campus.
"Illinois' taxes are designed to work in about a turn of the century economy if the turn of the century were going into the 1900's. Since it doesn't work in a modern economy, we've never had adequate revenue to invest in infrastructure or education or healthcare or social services," said Ralph Martire.
Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund cites CTBA's bipartisan analysis that the financial challenges facing their Pension Fund can be attributed to nearly 20 years of short-sighted decisions involving diverted taxes.