Illinois Policy Institute
Formation | 2002 |
---|---|
Founder | Greg Blankenship |
CEO | Matt Paprocki |
Revenue (2016) | $6.59 million[1] |
Expenses (2016) | $6.9 million[1] |
Website | www |
The Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) a conservative nonprofit think tank with offices in Chicago and Springfield.[2][3][4] Founded in 2002, it is active in the areas of education policy, pension policy, and state budget issues.[5] IPI advocates for smaller government and lower taxes.[6][7] It has an affiliated lobbying arm and legal arm.[6] IPI is a member of the State Policy Network, a consortium of free-market think tanks in the U.S.[8]
History
Originally founded by Greg Blankenship, the organization was relaunched by John Tillman in 2007. It expanded its work and influence after Tillman took over.[2] IPI raised $341,000 in 2007 and $6.4 million in 2016.[9] In 2018, the Chicago Sun-Times wrote that "Its studies and opinion pieces on cutting government spending and boosting transparency became must-read material to many Republicans, some Democrats — and the governor of Illinois."[9] IPI was described by ProPublica Illinois as "arguably the most influential conservative organization in the state."[10] The Chicago Sun-Times described the group as "leading a crusade against government regulations, state spending and labor unions in Illinois."[11]
IPI formerly operated the Illinois News Network, transferring ownership of that entity to the
Operations
The group worked closely with former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, a Republican and past donor to IPI,[13] during the first several years of his gubernatorial tenure.[4][14] However, Rauner's relationship with IPI deteriorated[15] in part due to an article by ProPublica Illinois and the Chicago Sun-Times which reported that IPI's leadership had "moved millions of dollars around five interconnected nonprofits they run, steering money to for-profit ventures in which they have a stake."[9][dead link][2] Tilllman denied any wrongdoing, saying "Obviously, these are all fully disclosed transactions, all at fair market value as they should be."[16]
Following the Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME, plaintiff Mark Janus left his job with the state of Illinois to become a senior fellow at IPI, which had helped fund his case.[3][17]
References
- ^ a b "Illinois Policy Institute". Nonprofit Explorer. ProPublica. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ a b c Mick Dumke, Tina Sfondeles (2018-02-08). "As Conservative Group Grows In Influence, Financial Dealings Enrich Its Leaders". ProPublica. Retrieved 2020-01-11.
- ^ a b Pearson, Rick (July 22, 2018). "State employee in major union-undermining Supreme Court case will join conservative think tank, tour the country". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ^ a b Miller, Rich (November 30, 2018). "Will J.B. Pritzker spark a new fire at conservative Illinois Policy Institute?". Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Wells, Rachel (July 22, 2010). "Conservative think tank to Illinois: Turn Right". Illinois Times. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ a b Arnold, Tony (July 24, 2017). "A Closer Look At The Group That Could Inform Rauner's Agenda". National Public Radio. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Dietrich, Matt (August 7, 2017). "Chicago soda tax throws a batting practice fastball to Illinois Policy Institute". PolitiFact Illinois. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Korecki, Natasha (April 30, 2018). "New Illinois news site designed to counter Breitbart, IPI". Politico. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^ a b c Dumke, Mick; Sfondeles, Tina (February 11, 2018). "Small-government think tank yields big bucks for nonprofit's leaders". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 19 December 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Dumke, Mick. "Amid Affordable Housing Dispute, Conservatives Seek a Home in Chicago". ProPublica. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
- ^ Dumke, Mick; Mihalopoulos, Dan (February 7, 2018). "'Independent' city watchdog Khan's secret backer? Right-wing policy group". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2018-01-18. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Mihalopoulos, Mick Dumke,Dan. "'Independent' Watchdog's Secret Funder: Conservative Small-Government Group". ProPublica. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Schoenburg, Bernard (November 7, 2013). "Illinois Policy Institute got half million from Rauner". State Journal-Register. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Hinz, Greg (October 17, 2018). "Pritzker opens the door to tax attack—and Rauner allies walk right in". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Geiger, Kim (February 8, 2018). "Rauner won't give 'another nickel' to former ally Illinois Policy Institute". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 19 December 2018.
- ^ Sfondeles, Mick Dumke,Tina. "Congressman Calls For Investigation Of Conservative Think Tank". ProPublica. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Armentrout, Mitchell (20 July 2018). "Mark Janus quits state job for conservative think tank gig after landmark ruling". Chicago Sun Times.