20% fewer Illinois public school students proficient in reading, math
20% fewer Illinois public school students proficient in reading, math
Illinois students’ academic proficiency remains below pre-pandemic levels. Demographic achievement gaps persist. School choice is part of the solution.
By Hannah Schmid
Parents push to expand Illinois’ Invest in Kids school choice program
Parents push to expand Illinois’ Invest in Kids school choice program
Illinois state lawmakers are hearing from parents who want to see the Invest in Kids program expanded. Giving families a choice about their schools can boost student achievement.
By Dylan Sharkey
Forbes: Illinois 3rd in nation for people leaving
Forbes: Illinois 3rd in nation for people leaving
Forbes magazine highlighted Illinois as one of the top states residents are fleeing for more tax-friendly climates.
By Dylan Sharkey
Illinois food assistance rate 6th-highest in nation
Illinois food assistance rate 6th-highest in nation
Thanksgiving will come from SNAP benefits for 1 in 6 Illinoisans this year. That is the nation’s sixth-highest rate, with inflation and a recession looming.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker gives himself COVID-19 emergency powers for 36th time
Pritzker gives himself COVID-19 emergency powers for 36th time
Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared Illinois a disaster area for the 36th time, extending his emergency powers over the state for another 30 days. None of Illinois’ neighboring states remain under emergency powers.
By Patrick Andriesen
Arlington Heights takes first step toward taxpayer-backed Chicago Bears stadium
Arlington Heights takes first step toward taxpayer-backed Chicago Bears stadium
Arlington Heights trustees unanimously approved a pre-development agreement with the Chicago Bears, but the review process could take years before they break ground on the new football stadium.
By Dylan Sharkey
Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes
Indicted Chicago alderman too ill to stand trial, OK to cast council votes
Chicago’s second-longest serving alderman is seeking a stay of prosecution on federal bribery charges, arguing she is “not medically fit to stand trial.” The plea comes eight days after Ald. Carrie Austin voted on the council floor to approve the city budget.
By Patrick Andriesen
Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor
Pritzker spends $323M on 2 campaigns for governor
Gov. J.B. Pritzker spent $152 million in defeating state Sen. Darren Bailey for re-election, down from the $171 million for his first Illinois gubernatorial campaign.
By Dylan Sharkey
Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation
Experts: Illinois taxpayers carrying 3rd-highest debt burden in nation
Truth in Accounting experts contested Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s claims Illinois is on the best fiscal footing in years, citing chronic underfunding of the state’s nation-leading pension debt. The watchdogs ranked Illinois’ finances third worst among U.S. states.
By Patrick Andriesen
How to run for local school board in Illinois
How to run for local school board in Illinois
School boards impact two-thirds of property tax bills on average in Illinois. Running for the school board ensures kids in the community get a quality education and winning candidates get a chance to control costs.
By Dylan Sharkey
Why Amendment 1 is too close to call
Why Amendment 1 is too close to call
Voters can change the Illinois Constitution in one of two ways: 60% of votes on the change, or a majority of total election votes. The Amendment 1 vote is so close and so many ballots remain uncounted, that calculating those two numbers remains elusive.
By Patrick Andriesen
Alper Turan
Alper Turan
“If you’re living in this district, this city, this state or this country, you have rights and responsibilities. This responsibility is not just for you, but your kids and your grandkids, your brothers and sisters and all families. That’s why I decided to run. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but at least I helped other...
2022 election had most contested Illinois House races in 2 decades
2022 election had most contested Illinois House races in 2 decades
Illinois’ 2022 general election was the most contested non-presidential election in the past two decades, with 79 contested Statehouse races. Illinois Policy’s Full Slate project helped give voters an extra 32 choices on the ballot.
By Patrick Andriesen
Amendment 1 vote too close to call
Amendment 1 vote too close to call
Votes were still being counted on Amendment 1, but the vote was very close. If approved, the change to the Illinois Constitution would expand collective bargaining powers just for government unions.
By Dylan Sharkey