Inside Chicago Government

Latest Episodes:

11/17/15: "2016 city budget raises taxes, fees, and questions" Sep 13, 2016

Show notes

Why progressive-caucus aldermen voted for the mayor's tax increases; the budget director's flawed statement about TIFs robbing schools; and why the administration carved out a special tax for school construction. Length 4.9 minutes.

4/1/16: "2016 primary election freaks out voters and pols" Apr 02, 2016

Show notes

Chicago residents' deliberate lack of voting interest; whether political parties, rather than taxpayers, should bear the cost of primary elections; and why elected officials (and their families) take electoral losses personally. Length 5.5 minutes.

2/10/16: "Many on deck as public school ship sinks" Feb 10, 2016

Show notes

Why Mayor Emanuel might, in summer 2015, have wanted teachers to strike; whether Gov. Rauner wants CPS to go bankrupt, with the mayor's complicity; and why CTU leadership accepted a contract offer that some felt its members would surely reject. Length 5.5 minutes.

12/28/15: "Rahm cops to 'owning' McDonald fiasco--or does he?" Dec 28, 2015

Show notes

The effect of the police union's contract on curbing abusive officers; what to make of aldermen's assertion that the Emanuel administration misled them; and assessing the mayor's claim of what he'd do differently. Length 5.1 minutes.

11/24/15: "Property taxes: who to blame and why to care" Nov 24, 2015

Show notes

How go-along taxpayers subsidize DIY taxpayers; why tax-averse building owners like vacancies; and paying for your share in Illinois' 7,000 units of government. Length 5.4 minutes.

9/21/15: "School start sees familiar class and cash chaos" Sep 21, 2015

Show notes

Classroom chaos created by the 20th-day student count; the re-imagined Dyett High School as part of the anti-charter backlash; and whether Paul Vallas can take credit for bracing CPS finances. Length 5.9 minutes.

8/14/15: "Council, assembly, and school board: education funding tag team" Aug 14, 2015

Show notes

Whether Speaker Madigan has "seen the light" on school funding or simply continues to strategize; the "losing his mind" phase of the Daley administration; and the different pension holidays won by CPS. Length 6.2 minutes.

7/23/15: "Putting taxes where they belong: traders vs. TIF" Jul 23, 2015

Show notes

The validity--and relevance--of the DePaul/Marriott TIF subsidy origin story; prudent life spans for TIF districts; and the questionable benefits of having financial markets in Chicago. Length 5.8 minutes.

7/1/15: "Chicago's big, bad bonds: revenues or ruse?" Jul 01, 2015

Show notes

Whether Daley or Emanuel should bear greater blame for the city's financial mess; possible collusion between bond raters, investors, and city officials; and Chicago's best sources of new revenues. Length 5.9 minutes.

6/19/15: "School choices: myths, charters, dollars, and fear" Jun 19, 2015

Show notes

Examining the "more choice" argument for charter schools; charter schools deployed in poor neighborhoods till the gentry arrive; and whether teachers and principals self-censor, or would actually get hurt by speaking out. Length 5.8 minutes.

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