During the past two years, about 80 Illinoisans shared how the COVID-19 pandemic was changing their lives, children’s educations and businesses. Here is how some of them have come through the pandemic, both those who thrived and those who lost.
The Chicago Teachers Union has gone on strike five times and walked out on students at least three other times since it got the right to strike in 1984. Gaining greater power through Amendment 1 would embolden militant union tactics.
"If I wouldn’t have done what I did I wouldn’t even be in business today.”
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently boasted Illinois was No. 1 for growth in high school applications for college aid. He failed to mention state law now makes students complete the application if they want to graduate.
"“I’m trying to rebuild our bar business, but it’s been difficult to compete with neighboring towns that have fewer mandates, and there is more competition popping up in the area."
Chicago Public Schools will make masks optional for students and staff starting March 14, following CDC guidance. The Chicago Teacher’s Union said union leaders were working to block the decision and keep students masked.
“The shutdowns definitely hurt the city in taxes. When people don’t spend money at local businesses, towns are losing money that would have been taxable.”
“My income decreased substantially due to the pandemic because I have a couple vacancies, and I readjusted rent for some of my tenants. Even though I have less income than before the pandemic, my taxes keep increasing.”
“As a business owner, I think the pandemic responses were too built within the bureaucracy of the system of government, which is has too many layers to get necessary approvals. In a state of emergency, you cannot have that.”
"We lost more than $500,000 and now we’re trying to bring back the business by changing our menus and recontacting those same people. Now we’re just trying to survive.”
"We're very fortunate that we're still standing. And we're very proud because we really love our customers. And we're here to serve.
Amendment 1 would permanently write indicted former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s public union deals into the state constitution. If passed, neither lawmakers nor voters could ever change them.
Chicago Public Schools’ top administrator told parents a mask-optional model for students and staff is coming soon. A Chicago Teachers Union dictate has kept students in masks despite the statewide mandate being lifted.