How to get your Illinois driver’s license on your phone
How to get your Illinois driver’s license on your phone
Legislation allowing Illinois residents to carry a digital driver’s license or ID on their smartphone will take effect in 2025.
The Policy Shop: How government costs us affordable housing
The Policy Shop: How government costs us affordable housing
Government in Illinois has a lot to do with why housing costs are so high. Zoning and land-use reforms can boost the supply of affordable housing without forcing taxpayers to subsidize it.
Chicago mayor challenges aldermanic privilege to fix housing
Chicago mayor challenges aldermanic privilege to fix housing
Chicago doesn’t have enough housing, in part because restrictive regulations and zoning drive up costs and headaches for developers. Mayor Brandon Johnson has recommended solid fixes, but the city must restrict aldermanic power.
DAILY LINKS / 7.25.2024
Center Square: Public safety on Illinois mass transit is highlighted during Senate hearing Center Square: Professor points to policy errors as Chicago braces for non-budgeted migrant surge Chicago Tribune: In CNN interview, Gov. J.B. Pritzker indicates he’s under consideration for VP slot Sun-Times: Kim Foxx hasn't pursued big corruption cases much in her second term, just like in her first NBC 5: 2024 DNC in Chicago: Pritzker, Johnson, Secret Service to reveal public safety plan Daily Herald: St. Charles approves plans for development near former Charlestowne Mall WCIA: Danville company fined $200k by OSHA for two labor accidentsBrandon Johnson’s sad excuses
Brandon Johnson’s sad excuses
Chicago committee looks at free-market solution to affordable housing
Chicago committee looks at free-market solution to affordable housing
Josh Bandoch, head of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute, testimony about how accessory dwelling units can help fix Chicago’s affordable housing shortage. City regulations and mandates can derail this free-market solution, though.
Pritzker: Budgeting genius
Pritzker: Budgeting genius
Chicago school spending nearly doubles as scores drop
Chicago school spending nearly doubles as scores drop
As Chicago Public Schools spending per student continues to rise, test scores and proficiency levels among students continue to drop.
3-in-10 seats are empty at Chicago Public Schools
3-in-10 seats are empty at Chicago Public Schools
Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools buildings have a space-use problem – they’re too empty. Nearly 60% of schools are underutilized while 5% are overcrowded. Only 37% are at ideal capacity. The Chicago Teachers Union wants to add staff to the empty schools.
Apprenticeships offer economic opportunity for Illinoisans
Apprenticeships offer economic opportunity for Illinoisans
College degrees are just one potential path to prosperity. Apprenticeships are a viable alternative Illinois’ education system should embrace.
How much does your town make from marijuana tax?
How much does your town make from marijuana tax?
Cannabis tax revenue is stalling statewide in Illinois, but communities still see a tax benefit. See how much your town took in during the past 12 months.
Chicago, Evanston leaders push for noncitizens to vote in local elections
Chicago, Evanston leaders push for noncitizens to vote in local elections
The surge of migrants to Chicago and Illinois has made noncitizen voting rights an issue. Chicago and Evanston leaders wanted noncitizens to vote in local elections. Illinois Senators wanted to prevent them from voting. Neither side has secured any changes.
Can noncitizens vote in Illinois? Depends on the election
Can noncitizens vote in Illinois? Depends on the election
The influx of migrants to Chicago and Illinois presents a potential voting bloc ahead of the 2024 election. Some politicians have tried to get them the vote. Others have tried to prevent it.
Schools need to be open about curriculum to fight Illinois student declines
Schools need to be open about curriculum to fight Illinois student declines
Illinois students’ reading and math proficiency have yet to rebound from pandemic losses. Illinois parents have a right to know what their children are being taught so they can be part of the solution.