Illinois housing prices climb, production remains slow
Illinois housing prices climb, production remains slow
June housing production in Illinois continues to lag the rest of the nation, leading to price problems across the state
Pritzker further undermines Chicago police, fire pensions
Pritzker further undermines Chicago police, fire pensions
Gov. J.B. Pritzker had a chance to stop a bill putting taxpayers on the hook for $11.1 billion in inflated pension benefits for Chicago police and firefighters. He blew it. Taxpayers will be paying the price for decades.
Pritzker’s map
Pritzker’s map
Over half of Illinoisans unhappy with Pritzker
Over half of Illinoisans unhappy with Pritzker
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is on the wrong side of public opinion, with new polling showing most voters view him unfavorably. They cited high taxes as their top concern. The poll should concern Pritzker as he eyes a third term and a White House run.
Chicago mayor recycles failed tax idea to fix $1.12B deficit
Chicago mayor recycles failed tax idea to fix $1.12B deficit
As Chicago faces a major deficit for fiscal year 2026, Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering resurrecting a failed idea that punishes job creation: the corporate head tax.
National award recognizes Center for Poverty Solutions’ job co-op
National award recognizes Center for Poverty Solutions’ job co-op
The Illinois Policy Institute’s Center for Poverty Solutions received national backing for a job co-op that will target Chicago’s most beleaguered neighborhoods. The effort will help communities liberate themselves from government dependence.
Chicago homicides lowest in decade, but so is arrest rate
Chicago homicides lowest in decade, but so is arrest rate
Chicago homicides were at a decade low for the 12 months through June, but also down was the arrest rate from 42% to 27%.
August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know
August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know
There is one time a year for most public education employees to opt out of their teachers union. That time is now. Here’s why it might make sense for you.
North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too
North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too
The North Carolina state legislature became the first in the U.S. to approve a bill joining the Educational Choice for Children Act. Illinois owes the same to its children after taking away private-school choice from over 15,000 low-income students.
Hosed by CTU
Hosed by CTU
Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity
Chicago’s commercial property taxes 2X U.S. city average, kill opportunity
Chicago’s high commercial property taxes hurt both businesses and homeowners. The result is less business, fewer jobs and growing inequality across communities.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Sisyphus
Chicago Mayor Brandon Sisyphus
Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth
Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth
The Illinois Senate attempted to pass a “rescue package” for Chicago area mass transit that would punish suburban homeowners with a new real estate transfer tax. State leaders must instead focus on reforms to boost housing and economic growth.
5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed
5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed
About 2-in-5 Illinois elementary students can read at grade level, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Five new bills would improve student outcomes and parental involvement.