How to stop gerrymandering in Illinois
How to stop gerrymandering in Illinois
Illinois can draw from other states’ experiences to solve its own gerrymandering problem. One solid solution is as close as Michigan.
‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ website ignores tax hike
‘Workers’ Rights Amendment’ website ignores tax hike
The government union-backed website claims Amendment 1 would put more money in the pockets of working Illinoisans, but the change could only benefit the 7% who are government employees. All families would pay $2,149 more in property taxes.
Ep. 48: The housing market goes bust
Ep. 48: The housing market goes bust
After a few years of homes flying off the market, signs are indicating the market is starting to cool. Is a housing bubble going to burst? Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to discuss what’s going on in Illinois’ housing world, how prices fair today and what to expect next. This week’s Policy Shop is...
Chicago Teachers Union fights to weaken Chicago charter schools
Chicago Teachers Union fights to weaken Chicago charter schools
Many Chicago charter school bargaining agreements are expiring this summer, and the Chicago Teachers Union is positioning itself to grow its power by diminishing charter schools as an alternative for parents and students.
Majority of IFT spending goes to Chicago
Majority of IFT spending goes to Chicago
The Illinois Federation of Teachers in 2021 spent 190 times more on Chicago-area teachers than it did on teachers south of Interstate 80. That could be why IFT membership has shrunk nearly 18% since 2017.
Fact check: Pritzker didn’t lower gas tax or eliminate grocery tax
Fact check: Pritzker didn’t lower gas tax or eliminate grocery tax
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s re-election ad praises him for fictional tax relief, hinting he repealed the grocery tax and lowered the gas tax. Neither is true.
Fact check: No other state constitution has a provision similar to Amendment 1
Fact check: No other state constitution has a provision similar to Amendment 1
Proponents of Amendment 1 claim other state constitutions include similar language, but that is just wrong. Amendment 1 would cement into the Illinois Constitution government union powers that no other state sees as smart.
NEA dues rise, spending on teachers drops for 6 straight years
NEA dues rise, spending on teachers drops for 6 straight years
Federal documents filed by the National Education Association show just 5% of its total spending was on representing members in 2021. NEA and its state affiliate – the Illinois Education Association – prioritized leadership salaries and politics over teachers.
Misleading new ad claims Amendment 1 protects Illinois nurses
Misleading new ad claims Amendment 1 protects Illinois nurses
Despite proponents’ claims, Amendment 1 would give union rights only to state and local government workers. Yet a new ad by proponents implies it will help nurses in all sectors care for their patients.
How to use Illinois’ new permanent vote-by-mail system
How to use Illinois’ new permanent vote-by-mail system
Now that Illinois voters can permanently register to vote by mail, here are some issues to consider about casting a ballot from the kitchen table rather than a polling place.
Illinois small business owners brace for higher taxes under Amendment 1
Illinois small business owners brace for higher taxes under Amendment 1
New business taxes added by the Pritzker administration plus Illinois’ high property taxes are making it hard for a Chicago-area bar owner to stay in business. Now a government union push for more property taxes is creating a new threat.
Pritzker’s best worst record on foreclosures
Pritzker’s best worst record on foreclosures
Chicago parents spend $886 per child on school supplies
Chicago parents spend $886 per child on school supplies
Chicago parents spend one-third more than the national average on school supplies. A 5% state sales tax holiday does little to help those struggling with back-to-school costs.
Pritzker’s ‘Family Relief Plan’ offers Illinoisans $35 while inflation takes $90
Pritzker’s ‘Family Relief Plan’ offers Illinoisans $35 while inflation takes $90
Gov. J.B. Pritzker boasted about financial responsibility and sympathy towards working families, but the average family of three can expect to save only $35.52 per month as inflation eats away $90 from that family’s budget.