$14B in federal COVID-19 stimulus propped up Illinois’ budget
$14B in federal COVID-19 stimulus propped up Illinois’ budget
Despite claims Illinois’ budget was “balanced,” a closer look shows federal stimulus money propped it up. Only long-term reform on pensions, taxes, health care and school district consolidation can balance state finances and end 21 years of deficits.
By Dylan Sharkey
How to eliminate Illinois’ pension debt without hurting retirees
How to eliminate Illinois’ pension debt without hurting retirees
Illinois lawmakers haven’t taken up pension legislation in nearly a decade. It’s time to give voters a chance to fix the problem driving state fiscal woes. A constitutional amendment can fix the unsustainable public pension systems.
By Dylan Sharkey
Jennifer Rodriguez
Jennifer Rodriguez
"I think that would be a great feature if they’re able to expand the current Invest in Kids scholarships to cover pre-kindergarten. A lot of the Catholic schools or private schools start at pre-K. So giving them the opportunity to start at pre-K versus [kindergarten] allows kids to build those relationships and get used to everything sooner."
COVID-19 jobs recovery well below U.S. average in most Illinois metro areas
COVID-19 jobs recovery well below U.S. average in most Illinois metro areas
The nation recovered 85% of the jobs lost to the COVID-19 downturn, but only one metro area in Illinois beat the U.S. average. The Chicago area only recovered 64% of its jobs. Bloomington was one of just 11 U.S. areas to lose jobs last year.
By Bryce Hill
Illinois ranked among worst in nation for access to in-person learning
Illinois ranked among worst in nation for access to in-person learning
The unconventional learning formats caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are taking a toll on Illinois students. There is a solution.
By Amy Korte
Illinois public school enrollment continues to drop
Illinois public school enrollment continues to drop
Frustrated with COVID-19 disruptions and remote learning, more Illinois parents are pursing non-public school options.
By Amy Korte
Illinois lawmakers file bill to save school choice program for low-income kids, families
Illinois lawmakers file bill to save school choice program for low-income kids, families
Roughly half of the low-income students benefitting from Illinois’ tax credit scholarships are minorities, and about 26,000 students are waiting for a chance at a private school that better fits their needs. State lawmakers are working on a permanent fix.
By Amy Korte, Hannah Schmid
California, Connecticut drop mask mandates as Pritzker fights to keep control
California, Connecticut drop mask mandates as Pritzker fights to keep control
Gov. J.B Pritzker is appealing a state court ruling striking down Illinois’ mask mandate in schools. His appeal and his 24th emergency declaration come as California and Connecticut join a growing list of states loosening their restrictions.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago’s $43,100 debt per taxpayer driven by pension debt
Chicago’s $43,100 debt per taxpayer driven by pension debt
Fiscal watchdog Truth in Accounting again gave an ‘F’ grade to Chicago, thanks to high debt driven by unsustainable pension costs. Fixing the problem will take amending the Illinois Constitution.
By Justin Carlson
Illinois is only big state to charge a tax on groceries
Illinois is only big state to charge a tax on groceries
Illinois is one of the few states that taxes groceries. Gov. J.B. Pritzker is suggesting a suspension of the 1% grocery tax to help struggling families. Some lawmakers said if Pritzker really wants to help, he needs to end grocery sales taxes.
By Dylan Sharkey