23 of Illinois’ 29 largest cities are shrinking, Chicago sees 2nd-biggest population decline in U.S.
23 of Illinois’ 29 largest cities are shrinking, Chicago sees 2nd-biggest population decline in U.S.
In the majority of Illinois’ large cities, the number of people moving to another part of the country is greater than the combined gains from more births than deaths and international immigration.
By Michael Lucci
More than 60,000 Illinois state workers participate in Social Security
More than 60,000 Illinois state workers participate in Social Security
Recently retired career state workers receive an average annual pension of $63,000. On top of this, more than 60,000 workers in Illinois’ State Employees’ Retirement System participate in Social Security.
By John Klingner
All tax hikes, no reform: Illinois politicians should reject ‘budgeteer’ budget plan
All tax hikes, no reform: Illinois politicians should reject ‘budgeteer’ budget plan
Instead of talking about the necessary, structural reforms to help the state, a collection of Illinois lawmakers want to ask taxpayers to give more to continue irresponsible policies.
By Craig Lesner
Illinois House passes marijuana decriminalization bill
Illinois House passes marijuana decriminalization bill
The Illinois House has voted to impose civil fines rather than criminal penalties for low-level marijuana possession.
By Hilary Gowins
Illinois will use facial-recognition technology to create new driver’s licenses, raising privacy concerns
Illinois will use facial-recognition technology to create new driver’s licenses, raising privacy concerns
Illinois’ new program to create driver’s licenses and state ID cards with enhanced security features has generated concerns over the possibility of identity theft and government tracking of private citizens.
By Amy Korte
Illinois Federation of Teachers agrees to affordable contract with state of Illinois
Illinois Federation of Teachers agrees to affordable contract with state of Illinois
The Illinois Federation of Teachers is the latest union to work out an agreement with the state.
By Mailee Smith
How Chicago’s affordable-housing mandates make housing less affordable
How Chicago’s affordable-housing mandates make housing less affordable
Affordable-housing mandates are sold to voters as a way to balance development with the need to build housing for the least well-off. In reality, these mandates add to the barriers that prevent developers from making housing more affordable and give rise to corruption in Chicago.
By Mark Adams
Zoning restrictions are making housing unaffordable and shrinking the middle class in Chicago
Zoning restrictions are making housing unaffordable and shrinking the middle class in Chicago
Bad zoning laws drive up the cost of home ownership and put a middle-class lifestyle out of reach for too many Chicagoans.
By Mark Adams
Endurance: A lesson from generations of American patriots for Illinoisans today
Endurance: A lesson from generations of American patriots for Illinoisans today
Those fighting in Springfield for a better future for Illinois should look to past generations of Americans who stayed the course through long and difficult battles for liberty.
By John Tillman
Jobs growth, not raising the minimum wage, is best way to fight crime
Jobs growth, not raising the minimum wage, is best way to fight crime
The White House encourages raising the minimum wage as a way to reduce crime, but this proposal ignores what happens when people are priced out of legal work.
By Bryant Jackson-Green
Court rules in favor of Madigan: Attorney general doesn’t have to defend state against wrongful workers’ compensation claims
Court rules in favor of Madigan: Attorney general doesn’t have to defend state against wrongful workers’ compensation claims
A Sangamon County judge’s ruling defending Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s failure to defend the state against wrongful workers’ compensation claims could cost the state.
By Mailee Smith
Licensing laws may create a nursing shortage, leaving sick, elderly and disabled without adequate care
Licensing laws may create a nursing shortage, leaving sick, elderly and disabled without adequate care
Illinois may soon face a nursing shortage due to a combination of demographics and regulatory barriers that prevent more nurses from practicing.
By Mark Adams