Unfunded mandates keep property taxes high
Unfunded mandates keep property taxes high
When local governments must comply with a new state law, it often increases costs. Those costs are passed on to the taxpayer.
A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options
A way out: Bankruptcy authorization would give struggling Illinois municipalities options
Published Feb. 10, 2025 Even though federal COVID relief funds provided an unexpected windfall, that one-time jolt of cash could leave many Illinois localities even worse off than they were before. That boost in revenue allowed local governments to put off difficult budgeting decisions, and as that revenue dries up, municipalities will have to contend...
Brandon Johnson: Rock bottom
Brandon Johnson: Rock bottom
Does Illinois make it too hard to build housing?
Does Illinois make it too hard to build housing?
The median home price in Illinois is almost 40% higher than it was at the start of the pandemic, but why?
Chicago Teachers Union moves one step closer to going on strike
Chicago Teachers Union moves one step closer to going on strike
The Chicago Teachers Union rejected recommendations from a neutral factfinder. The union will be free to strike after the report is public for 30 days and the union gives 10 days’ notice of striking.
Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation
Nine of 15 Illinois metros add jobs in December as employment gains trail nation
New data shows nine of 15 Illinois metropolitan areas added jobs in December as the state gained 8,800 jobs. Ten metro areas reported higher unemployment than the national average.
Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead
Ranking: Illinois 10th worst state for getting ahead
Illinois lags both the nation and the Midwest on key indicators of social mobility. The state scores poorly on entrepreneurship, economic growth, institutions and the rule of law.
Chicago Teachers Union favorability down to 29% amidst potential strike
Chicago Teachers Union favorability down to 29% amidst potential strike
New polling shows 3-in-5 Chicago voters have an unfavorable view of the Chicago Teachers Union. More than 55% said they would be less likely to vote for someone who accepts CTU donations.
Illinois’ economic future pressured by worst pension crisis in nation
Illinois’ economic future pressured by worst pension crisis in nation
Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute reveals Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable, underscoring the need for systemic reform.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval drops to 14%, unfavorable reaches 80%
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval drops to 14%, unfavorable reaches 80%
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s approval rating is down to 14%, the lowest in Chicago mayoral history. Nearly 80% of those polled hold an unfavorable view of Johnson.
Market-oriented housing reforms gaining traction in Illinois
Market-oriented housing reforms gaining traction in Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed an executive order to increase access to housing for middle-income families. While many of the proposed solutions still miss the mark, there are some important supply-side reforms that could mark a positive shift for Illinois.
Mayor Brandon Johnson would benefit from CPS contract he’s negotiating
Mayor Brandon Johnson would benefit from CPS contract he’s negotiating
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is on leave from Chicago Public Schools while his administration negotiates its new contract. If Johnson were to return to CPS, he would be guaranteed a six-figure job.
Illinois students show continued struggles in reading, math on national exam
Illinois students show continued struggles in reading, math on national exam
The nation’s report card was just released and shows Illinois students continue to struggle to meet proficiency standards in reading and math. State leaders are spinning 8th-grade results as a win, but in reality, they lag. Ignored are the struggles of younger students.
What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April
What you need to know about whether Chicago Teachers Union will strike in April
The Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools entered the “fact finding” phase of negotiations in January 2025. Here’s what that means, whether Chicago students might be out of class, when and what it all could do to taxpayers.