David Greising

David Greising is president of the Better Government Association, publisher of the Illinois Answers Project and home to the BGA Policy website. A former Tribune business columnist, Greising broke into professional journalism covering Harold Washington’s run for mayor at the City News Bureau of Chicago. His Tribune column appears every other Friday.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul adjusts his glasses as he speaks along with Gov. JB Pritzker during a news conference Jan. 28, 2025, about the impact of President Donald Trump’s order to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: Conflict between Donald Trump and Illinois will test state’s rights vs. federal power

January 31, 2025 at 9:35 a.m.

Illinois’ Gov. JB Pritzker can lead in an effort to develop state responses to counteract or disrupt Donald Trump.

Regional Transportation Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard, right, talks with RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden before Dillard spoke about the future of transit in Chicago at Maggiano's on Jan. 15, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: Taxpayers deserve to know just how much governments fattened themselves on federal COVID-19 money

January 17, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

COVID-19 money was supposed to go to one-time expenses, not to adding positions and programs that would continue long after the aid was gone.

Mayor Brandon Johnson takes questions after announcing the new Office of Re-Entry on Dec. 5, 2024, at Teamwork Englewood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: Brandon Johnson’s unprecedented spending means City Council is right to put away its rubber stamp

December 6, 2024 at 8:26 a.m.

If Brandon Johnson really were serious about collaborating, he would have provided Chicago aldermen their budget data by now.

Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during a Chicago Police Department graduation ceremony at Navy Pier on Nov. 14, 2023. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: CPD’s consent decree will be worth the cost if reforms are effectively implemented

November 22, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

The false economies baked into the Chicago budget cuts are glaring when we compare the small proposed savings to the costs of police misconduct.

Then-Gov.-elect JB Pritzker talks with then-President Donald Trump during a meeting on Dec. 13, 2018, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. (Evan Vucci/AP)

David Greising: What does a new Trump presidency mean for Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois?

November 8, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson could find themselves tested after Donald Trump returns to the White House.

State Sen. Robert Martwick, District 10, speaks during a Senate Executive Committee meeting at the Illinois State Capitol building on April 7, 2022. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: State lawmakers offer hopeful sign that pension reform is a real priority

October 25, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

With pension reform possibly within reach, there’s a Goldilocks problem for the state lawmakers setting plans.

The rotunda dome at the Illinois Capitol on Feb. 21, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Civic leaders: How do we resolve Illinois’ pension mess? These 10 principles are a start.

October 13, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

We cannot overstate the importance of enacting legislation to address the state’s legacy pension obligations.

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates attends the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 19, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: Stacy Davis Gates’ attacks on Pedro Martinez aren’t what’s best for CPS

September 26, 2024 at 1:27 p.m.

If Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates chose to own some of her responsibility to taxpayers, she might succeed on several fronts.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks on Aug. 19, 2024, during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: Is a property tax hike in the making to fill Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget hole?

September 13, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

It seems almost a foregone conclusion that a property tax hike will be in the plan. Mayor Brandon Johnson likely has no choice.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez greets students at dismissal of the first day of school at Washington High School in the East Side neighborhood on Aug. 26, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

David Greising: With its own mayor in office, CTU makes Pedro Martinez its fall guy

August 30, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

CPS CEO Pedro Martinez may not be moving as aggressively as the CTU wants, but he does seem headed in a similar direction.

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