Corporate income taxes have stifled Illinois’ pandemic recovery
Corporate income taxes have stifled Illinois’ pandemic recovery
Illinois has the third-highest corporate income taxes in the nation. These are some of the most harmful taxes to economic growth, particularly in times of economic hardship.
By Ravi Mishra
Illinois food assistance dips in January, but still leads region
Illinois food assistance dips in January, but still leads region
Illinois had a slight decrease in food assistance recipients in January, yet the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation remains higher than it was a decade ago and ahead of neighboring states.
By Lauren Zuar
Illinois fixing shortage by changing foreign-trained doctor licensing
Illinois fixing shortage by changing foreign-trained doctor licensing
A new law took effect this year allowing foreign-trained physicians to apply for limited licenses on an accelerated path to permanently practice medicine in Illinois.
By Chris Coffey
Tariff troubles highlight Chicago’s precarious pension situation
Tariff troubles highlight Chicago’s precarious pension situation
Tariffs by President Donald Trump sent markets tumbling and temporarily hurt public pension investments. While the markets recovered, the episode showed Chicago’s pension systems are extremely fragile.
By LyLena Estabine
Chicago schools property taxes up 62% in 15 years
Chicago schools property taxes up 62% in 15 years
The median Chicago residence paid $2,059 in property taxes just to support Chicago Public Schools in 2024, 62% more than they paid 15 years ago. More than half of a Chicago homeowners’ property tax bill now goes to CPS.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois House helping health care shortage by easing volunteer requirements
Illinois House helping health care shortage by easing volunteer requirements
A new bill would remove an unnecessary rule forcing health care volunteers to get additional licensing. House Bill 1270, sponsored by state Rep. William E. Hauter, R-Morton, and state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Oakbrook Terrace, addresses medical worker shortages.
By Lauren Zuar
‘Homeschool Act’ is about limiting school choice
‘Homeschool Act’ is about limiting school choice
Teachers unions have given millions to the state lawmakers targeting homeschoolers in their most recent effort to stifle educational freedom in Illinois.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union contract will create nearly $1B fiscal cliff for schools
Chicago Teachers Union contract will create nearly $1B fiscal cliff for schools
Chicago Public Schools was already projecting annual budget deficits in excess of $500 million in coming years. The new Chicago Teachers Union contract costs will grow the deficit to nearly $1 billion
By Bryce Hill
105 Illinois towns pass grocery taxes. Did yours?
105 Illinois towns pass grocery taxes. Did yours?
Many Illinois towns are rushing to extend the 1% grocery tax. See below if your town is one of them. The statewide tax ends in 2026, but local governments can choose to retain it without asking their residents for permission.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it
Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal slashes general funds for economic development while relying on federal dollars to mask the cuts. This move raises doubts about the governor’s fiscal priorities.
By FJ Hilgart
How Chicago Teachers Union election impacts those well past city limits
How Chicago Teachers Union election impacts those well past city limits
The Chicago Teachers Union election has two groups competing to lead one of the most militant unions in the nation. CTU has a hand in federal, state and local politics.
By Dylan Sharkey
Poll: Taxes No. 1 issue for over half of Illinois voters, nearly half would move
Poll: Taxes No. 1 issue for over half of Illinois voters, nearly half would move
More than half of Illinois voters said high taxes were the No. 1 concern for the state, according to an Illinois Policy Institute poll. Of those polled, nearly half said they would also move out of the state if given the chance.
By Patrick Andriesen