Poll: Illinois voters 3-1 in support of scholarships for low-income students
Poll: Illinois voters 3-1 in support of scholarships for low-income students
Illinois voters polled were 3 to 1 in support of the state’s only school choice program, Invest in Kids. But unless lawmakers act, the program ends this year.
By Dylan Sharkey, Jon Josko
Poll: Illinois’ automatic gasoline tax hikes opposed by 70%
Poll: Illinois’ automatic gasoline tax hikes opposed by 70%
More than 70% of Illinois voters polled are against automatic annual gas tax increases. Illinoisans faced two automatic hikes in 2023.
By Dylan Sharkey, Jon Josko
Report: Illinois, Chicago public pension crises worst in U.S.
Report: Illinois, Chicago public pension crises worst in U.S.
Illinois state and local pension debt now tallies $218 billion with both debt to GDP and funding ratios the worst in the nation, according to a new Equable Institute report.
By Bryce Hill, Justin Carlson
Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18
Illinois Supreme Court: Criminal cash bail goes away Sept. 18
Illinois will become the first state to eliminate cash bail. The Illinois Supreme Court on July 18 upheld the Pretrial Fairness Act, ruling it doesn’t violate the Illinois Constitution.
By Dylan Sharkey
Gail Clark
Gail Clark
“If Invest in Kids sunsets, we would probably move out of state. The scholarship is the only thing that has kept us here for the last six years.”
Vallas: A real strategy for containing out-of-control violence in Chicago
Vallas: A real strategy for containing out-of-control violence in Chicago
Chicago can’t afford to wait on immediate crime reduction efforts – the city needs a plan. Unfortunately, no concrete details have emerged on how the new administration plans to address public safety, the No. 1 issue on Chicagoans’ minds. Here are nine steps Chicago officials could take to begin curbing crime today.
By Paul Vallas
Vallas: Here’s where Chicago Board of Education should put its focus
Vallas: Here’s where Chicago Board of Education should put its focus
Mayoral appointments to the city’s school board tell the public a lot about that mayor’s philosophy. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to who Mayor Brandon Johnson is appointing. It’s also important to understand what options should be on the table when it comes to fixing the failing Chicago Public Schools system.
By Paul Vallas
Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax
Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax
Illinois is on pace for four new casinos in 2023, but the state’s tax payout from video gambling in local bars and restaurants remains a much bigger win.
By Dylan Sharkey
TTX joins major companies leaving Chicago
TTX joins major companies leaving Chicago
Rail car company TTX is heading for North Carolina, adding to the list of corporations formerly headquartered in Chicago. Companies such as McDonald’s and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange could be next.
By Dylan Sharkey
Vallas: Pritzker flips again on low-income scholarships – signals he’s open to killing program
Vallas: Pritzker flips again on low-income scholarships – signals he’s open to killing program
Last fall when he wanted to get reelected, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he supported extending a scholarship program available to low-income and working-class families – Invest in Kids.
By Paul Vallas