Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021
Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021
Illinoisans fled at a record pace in 2021. The state lost 122,460 residents on net because of moves to other states.
Illinois considers local gas taxes atop doubled state gas tax
Illinois considers local gas taxes atop doubled state gas tax
Illinois has the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, but a new bill would let cities add a local gas tax on top of the state and federal taxes and fees. Illinois doubled its gasoline tax in 2019, part of $5.2 billion in new taxpayer costs since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.
Chicago Teachers Union’s illegal strike is over, but parents sue to stop next one
Chicago Teachers Union’s illegal strike is over, but parents sue to stop next one
Parents of Chicago Public Schools students sued to end the “remote work action” by Chicago Teachers Union members that kept 340,000 students out of classrooms for five days. The walkout is over, but the lawsuit is continuing to prevent the next illegal strike.
Amendment 1 would guarantee Illinois’ sky-high debt, taxes would rise faster
Amendment 1 would guarantee Illinois’ sky-high debt, taxes would rise faster
Unfair advantages for public sector unions are already driving Illinois’ massive debt and high taxes. Enshrining their power in the Illinois Constitution would make it worse and give voters less say about government costs.
Ashley Muzzillo
Ashley Muzzillo
“The union can literally hold our children hostage.”
Lightfoot admits speed cameras hurt low-income Chicagoans more
Lightfoot admits speed cameras hurt low-income Chicagoans more
A university study of Chicago automated traffic cameras commissioned by the city found minority and low-income residents are hurt more. Researchers recommended the city reform the regressive system of fines.
Illinois spent 6% more than it took in for 15 years, so COVID-19 hit it harder
Illinois spent 6% more than it took in for 15 years, so COVID-19 hit it harder
From 2005-2019, Illinois revenues totaled just 94% of expenses. The state ran deficits in each of the 15 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only New Jersey overspent more.
Chicago-area firefighters battle to kick out union
Chicago-area firefighters battle to kick out union
Carpentersville firefighters collected enough signatures to trigger the removal of SEIU as their union, but SEIU is fighting back against their freedom to choose.
Strike cost Chicago students 5 days; Amendment 1 could cost them many more
Strike cost Chicago students 5 days; Amendment 1 could cost them many more
Voters will decide Nov. 8 whether the Chicago Teachers Union will have a permanent right to walk out on students for whatever reason union bosses decide.
Ep. 19: A COVID-19 education with Amy Korte
Ep. 19: A COVID-19 education with Amy Korte
Parents and students across the state have had their lives turned completely upside down by COVID-19 and ongoing public school closures. And it isn’t over yet. Amy Korte joins the Policy Shop to discuss the ins and outs of receiving an education during the pandemic, from the perils of Zoom learning to how classrooms affect...
Chicago Teachers Union ends walkout after students lose 5 days
Chicago Teachers Union ends walkout after students lose 5 days
Chicago students will be back in classes Jan. 12 after losing five days of instruction thanks to a walkout by the Chicago Teachers Union. The union forced more COVID-19 testing, but damaged students’ educations for the third time in 27 months to do so.
Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?
Chicago, Cook County under emergency rule for 22 months. How can that be?
Chicago and Cook County leaders have exercised executive emergency powers for 22 months to handle the COVID-19 pandemic. Why can they do that and when does it end?
Chicago Public Schools rejects opt-out testing solution
Chicago Public Schools rejects opt-out testing solution
CPS rejected a proposal from the Chicago Teachers Union that would have tested randomly selected students. Mayor Lighfoot says parents opting in is non-negotiable
Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas
Chicago’s $1 million-plus speed cameras hurting low-income areas
Nearly half of Chicago’s highest cash-generating speed cameras were on the South Side. Two, including the top $3.1-million camera, are hitting Ward 20 Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s low-income constituents with fines she said they can’t afford.