Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families 


Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families 


America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their heads. Housing affordability problems...

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

Literacy legislation aims to fix Illinois’ low reading proficiency

Literacy legislation aims to fix Illinois’ low reading proficiency

Lawmakers in 2023 required the Illinois State Board of Education to create a public school literacy plan using evidence-based reading instructional practices. A follow-up bill awaiting the governor’s signature would require school vendors to follow that plan.

By Hannah Schmid

The Policy Shop: Illinois’ people problem is a money problem

The Policy Shop: Illinois’ people problem is a money problem

This edition of The Policy Shop is by Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research. When you treat people like piggy banks, some of them will get fed up and move. It is most likely the folks with the most money will be the ones to go. Illinois politicians seem to be ignoring those...

Illinois video gaming brings in $428M in 2024, so far

Illinois video gaming brings in $428M in 2024, so far

Video gaming already generated $428 million in tax revenue so far in 2024. Part of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s new Illinois state budget relies on more revenue from video gaming machines. The tax hike started July 1.

By Kurtis Karg