Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

Vallas: Chicago can use home rule powers to curb crime

The SAFE-T Act could make it too hard for Chicago to detain offenders. Residents can’t afford that when the city is already amid a violent crime surge. Chicago leaders should use home rule powers to create a city public safety act.

By Paul Vallas

How Illinois public school measures fail to add up

How Illinois public school measures fail to add up

Contradictory metrics statewide point to poor accountability and grade promotion standards in Illinois. Low-income parents seeking alternatives are hamstrung as lawmakers weigh ending Illinois’ only school choice program.

By Hannah Schmid

Sabrina Sibby

Sabrina Sibby

“If these scholarships end, it may result in me having to quit my job and homeschool my son. Having the scholarship allows them to be in a safe, respectful and trauma-free environment."

Government union power unleashed on Illinois House speaker

Government union power unleashed on Illinois House speaker

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch – who supported an Illinois constitutional amendment granting government unions unprecedented power – is reportedly refusing to meet with a union seeking to represent his own staff.

By Mailee Smith

Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer

Vallas: SAFE-T Act starts Monday. 4 ways to make it safer

Proponents of the SAFE-T Act see it as an end to discrimination in a system that favors the wealthy. Opponents see it as depriving law enforcement of the tools they need to keep streets safe. Both are right. Four legislative actions could fix that.

By Paul Vallas

The Policy Shop: The Chicago Teachers Union’s hypocrisy

The Policy Shop: The Chicago Teachers Union’s hypocrisy

This edition of The Policy Shop comes to you from policy analyst Hannah Schmid. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates believes in school choice – for herself. Now that she’s admitted her child attends a private high school, she is attempting to spin the hypocrisy of trying to stop low-income families from making that same choice into...

Chicago Public Schools get over $1.9B more since school choice program began

Chicago Public Schools get over $1.9B more since school choice program began

Chicago Public Schools has received about $1.93 billion in additional state and local funding since the 2018-19 school year, when the Invest in Kids scholarship tax-credit program awarded its first scholarships to low-income students to attend the schools of their choice.

By Hannah Schmid