The Better Government Association and Illinois Answers Project offer two easy-to-use databases of public information in Illinois. We do this to bring greater clarity to how tax dollars are used.

Public Salaries Database
Every year, we compile Illinois’ most comprehensive database to review, explore and compare compensation for public employees throughout Illinois. We do this because we believe detailing how tax dollars are spent serves the public interest.
Public Pensions Database
Funding public-employee pension systems is perhaps the most vexing emergency facing Illinois taxpayers. We collect data from the largest public pensions systems in the state and centralize it into our Illinois Public Pensions Database.

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One Real Estate Empire, $15M in Unpaid Rat-Related Tickets
A group of real estate companies managed by a north suburban woman has racked up hundreds of rat-related tickets on properties — many on Chicago’s South and West sides.
Local Governments Get Slapped with Rat-Related Tickets
In the past four-and-a-half years, the City of Chicago has fined local agencies, including the CHA and the Cook County Land Bank Authority, more than $750,000.

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These databases are resource intensive, both in money and time. We request, compile, organize and check data we receive from hundreds of taxing bodies across Illinois and put it into an easy-to-use site for you.