Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Union bosses pay lobbyist big bucks to kill school choice as he sends his kids to private school

Union bosses pay lobbyist big bucks to kill school choice as he sends his kids to private school

Stacy Davis Gates isn’t the only union boss trying to kill scholarships for low-income students while also sending a child to private school. Enter Sean Denney, the director of government relations at the Illinois Education Association, which opposes Illinois’ Invest in Kids tax credit scholarship program. Denney sends his own children to a Catholic school...

By Mailee Smith

The Policy Shop: One small victory for Illinois homeowners

The Policy Shop: One small victory for Illinois homeowners

This edition of The Policy Shop is by Director of Policy Research Joseph Tabor. Geraldine Tyler is a 94-year-old Minnesota grandmother who in 2010 fell behind in the property taxes on her one-bedroom condo after moving into a senior living apartment. Hennepin County took the condo, sold it for $40,000 to cover a tax debt...

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

The SAFE-T Act could make it too hard for Chicago to detain offenders. Residents can’t afford that when the city is already amid a violent crime surge. Chicago leaders should use home rule powers to create a city public safety act.

By Paul Vallas

How Illinois public school measures fail to add up

How Illinois public school measures fail to add up

Contradictory metrics statewide point to poor accountability and grade promotion standards in Illinois. Low-income parents seeking alternatives are hamstrung as lawmakers weigh ending Illinois’ only school choice program.

By Hannah Schmid

Sabrina Sibby

Sabrina Sibby

“If these scholarships end, it may result in me having to quit my job and homeschool my son. Having the scholarship allows them to be in a safe, respectful and trauma-free environment."

Jennifer Farrand

Jennifer Farrand

“I’m a firm believer that a child’s ZIP code should not determine their outcome. And that the tax credit scholarship helps level the playing field and provide equity for children, particularly children of color to get access to the best education for them.”