1-in-4 Illinois students absent in 2025
1-in-4 Illinois students absent in 2025
One-in-four Illinois public school students were chronically absent in the 2024-2025 school year. It is contributing to Illinois’ low academic proficiency.
Illinois lawmakers again push disguised ‘retirement tax’
Illinois lawmakers again push disguised ‘retirement tax’
Illinois voters soundly rejected a progressive state income tax because it was a path to tax retirees. That isn’t stopping state lawmakers from trying again.
Illinois can’t afford to miss out on 10,000 extra homes
Illinois can’t afford to miss out on 10,000 extra homes
Families rely on single-family homes. Illinois must relax zoning laws and lower minimum lot sizes to make them more affordable statewide.
Sign up for our morning email
to stay ahead of the challenges impacting taxes, liberty and prosperity in Illinois.
Chicago Teachers Union radicalism is officially statewide
Chicago Teachers Union radicalism is officially statewide
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates is bringing her militant agenda to 200 more school districts as president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.
Illinois halts federal tax credits intended to boost business
Illinois halts federal tax credits intended to boost business
Illinois state lawmakers are severing new federal business tax cuts. Their quest to keep more cash will cost the state in business competitiveness.
5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth
5 ways to end Chicago’s stagnant growth
High taxes, red tape and fiscal mismanagement have stalled Chicago’s economy, but smart reform could get it growing again.
Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes
Illinois police pensions lock up local property taxes
Across Illinois, police pensions are taking an ever-greater share of property tax dollars, leaving fewer resources for public safety.
Small lots lower Illinois housing prices, even for big homes
Small lots lower Illinois housing prices, even for big homes
A Lombard housing project shows how smaller lots can lower costs, boost development and help Illinois address its housing shortage.
Taxpayers pay $23.6M for Chicago Public Schools vacations
Taxpayers pay $23.6M for Chicago Public Schools vacations
Chicago Public Schools employees spent $23.6 million in tax dollars on lavish vacations at 5-star hotels and overseas trips. Much of it was without approval.
Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month
Chicago business activity drops for 23rd straight month
A barometer of business health shows Chicago is close to marking two years of decline. The city’s employment rate lags the nation.
Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules
Riverwalk eatery gone thanks to murky Chicago rules
Restaurants and bars bid to be along Chicago’s Riverwalk, so why a proven business with a lucrative offer was booted is a mystery wrapped up in a secretive city panel.
Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances
Illinois firefighter pensions torch local finances
In Lake County and across Illinois, fire pensions are driving up property taxes and leaving fewer resources for safety.