Gov. J.B Pritzker touted his record on pensions, claiming his administration reduced pension debt. He cites an analysis of state pension data but fails to mention its conclusion suggesting reform.
Illinois’ history of poor policy decisions left homeowners behind the pandemic era housing boom. Continuing the trend leaves homeowners more susceptible to future downturns.
New numbers on public school enrollment show the more school districts kept students from the classroom and in-person learning, the more those schools saw enrollment decline. Amy Korte joins the Policy Shop to walk through what the numbers show about Illinois and talk about what’s next for public policy battles that affect education. Learn more...
Illinois gas taxes are driving extra pain at the pump, especially for Chicago residents.
Fiscal watchdog Truth in Accounting reports every Chicagoan is on the hook for $135,700 when combining city and state debt.
“Lowering fuel costs helps the economy grow. When fuel costs go up, logistics become inefficient and hurt the economy, which is the last thing Illinois needs.”
As jobs growth and wage growth show signs of slowing, tax and regulatory changes could help prevent economic pain.
The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted May 24 to increase its members’ salaries 10% in December, followed by automatic annual pay increases each year up to 3%. Civic groups say the perpetual pay hikes pose future concern.
The former Illinois House assistant majority leader received a taxpayer-funded pension worth $129,000 between his retirement in 2019 after being arrested for bribery by federal authorities and his conviction in 2022.
The same unions that supported doubling the gas tax in 2019 donated $15 million to politicians who voted for Amendment 1, a proposed tax hike sold as a “workers’ rights” amendment.
“The Chicago’s Teachers Union has become too powerful and it is becoming even more powerful. I fear that if Amendment 1 passes, the union will have limitless power."
Rising gas prices show no sign of stopping. Average gas prices in Illinois are more than $5 a gallon, thanks in part to the nation’s second-highest motor fuel tax.
What’s the deal with Illinois’ population? Are we gaining residents like Gov. Pritzker has recently said or are we losing residents, as has been reported for seven straight years? Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to break down the Census Bureau releases and share the truth about Illinois’ population story. Learn more by subscribing to...