Think Illinois spends millions on migrants? Wrong. It spends billions.

By Ravi Mishra

06/09/2025

Illinois will have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care by the end of 2025. Costs have shattered projections and left taxpayers poorer.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Here’s how Pritzker can stop bad bills out of Illinois General Assembly

By Joe Tabor

06/02/2025

With the Illinois state legislative session ended, bills will start crossing the governor’s desk, some containing tax hikes, unaffordable spending and needless regulation. Here’s how Gov. J.B. Pritzker can stop these bad policies from becoming law.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, property taxes, taxes

Pritzker grows state spending most among past 5 Illinois governors

By Patrick Andriesen

05/29/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker increased Illinois’ state spending more during his first six state budgets than any other state leader in terms of raw dollars since Gov. George Ryan, who took office more than 25 years ago.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

Pritzker preps for presidential run carrying weight of Illinois failures

By Patrick Andriesen

05/23/2025

Outcomes for Illinoisans have dropped since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office. The nation’s Democrats need to see where he’s taken Illinois before following his lead on the national stage.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, taxes, unemployment

Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it

By FJ Hilgart

05/01/2025

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.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Vallas: Pritzker, Johnson keep playing Trump card

By Paul Vallas

04/25/2025

Deep-blue Illinois had President Biden to bail out the state’s and Chicago’s financial failings. Now city and state leaders have President Trump to blame for their financial failings. Eventually, taxpayers will be held responsible.

TAGS: Brandon Johnson, JB Pritzker

Illinois governors abuse budget projections, leaving taxpayers damaged

By FJ Hilgart

03/31/2025

Illinois lawmakers can’t budget responsibly if they don’t know how much they have. Governors have a history of fudging the numbers to get what they want.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Figure out if there’s a problem before boosting Illinois pensions

By LyLena Estabine

03/11/2025

Without careful evaluation of whether Illinois’ pensions for newer employees are running afoul of federal rules or what the penalties would be, spending $78 million from the state’s budget is premature and wasteful.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, pensions, taxes

Pritzker’s $1.5B wish for cash quickly vanishes

By Bryce Hill

03/06/2025

The latest forecast from the Illinois General Assembly estimates Illinois will have $737 million to $1.2 billion less in revenue than Gov. J.B. Pritzker hopes to spend.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students