Editorial: Populist Pritzker and the fine print of his budget proposal
Editorial: Populist Pritzker and the fine print of his budget proposal
Tax hikes on businesses and individuals didn’t make the cut in Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address, but they’re a big part of his budget proposal.
Elections board appeals decision on Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax plan
Elections board appeals decision on Chicago Mayor Johnson’s real estate tax plan
The Chicago Board of Elections will appeal a Cook County judge’s ruling that Johnson’s $100 million real estate tax plan on the March 19 ballot is unconstitutional and invalid.
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago Teachers Union pushing school model where kids perform poorly
Chicago Teachers Union pushing school model where kids perform poorly
Chicago Teachers Union leadership will use this summer’s contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools to push for expansion of “sustainable community schools” in the district. The model doesn’t work: students perform worse, absenteeism rises.
By Hannah Schmid
Judge: Boot unconstitutional ‘mansion tax’ from March 19 ballot
Judge: Boot unconstitutional ‘mansion tax’ from March 19 ballot
A Cook County judge ruled Feb. 23 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s “mansion tax” was unconstitutional and should be removed from the primary election ballot.
By Brad Weisenstein
Paul Vallas: Illinois’ real ‘State of the State’
Paul Vallas: Illinois’ real ‘State of the State’
Illinois is on an upward path, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said during his State of the State speech. True, by some measures. Not so much by too many measures that matter.
By Paul Vallas
Tio Hardiman
Tio Hardiman
“I grew up around gun violence on the South Side of Chicago between the projects of Avalon Park and the Henry Horner Homes. I saw all these young brothers losing their lives in situations that could have easily been avoided or mediated.” “I started organizing about 20 years ago because I got tired of seeing...
Where are you most likely to get shot in Chicago?
Where are you most likely to get shot in Chicago?
Nearly 1 of every 900 Chicagoans was shot last year, and 1 in 5,000 killed by gunshot. Where was the greatest risk? The Austin neighborhood reported the most fatal shootings as well as the most shootings overall, with 1 shooting for every 414 residents
By Patrick Andriesen
Harry Pena
Harry Pena
“I joined a gang at 10 years old. I spent most of my life on the streets. I had my first taste of whiskey. I smoked. I hit teachers in school. I tortured cats.” “My father mentally and physically abused my mother. I hated him. At 12 years old, I followed him to learn his...
Eliminating grocery tax would help Illinois families
Eliminating grocery tax would help Illinois families
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is supporting an end to Illinois’ 1% grocery tax. Illinois is one of only 13 states with a grocery tax, and the only one of the nation’s 10 largest states.
By Dylan Sharkey
Our perspective: Illinois’ state budget is nearly $13B higher today than it was 6 years ago
Our perspective: Illinois’ state budget is nearly $13B higher today than it was 6 years ago
Pritzker proposes to permanently repeal the 1% state grocery tax. That’s good. The ballooning size of the state budget, not so good.
By Hilary Gowins
2024 State of the State: Federal rescue is over, so Illinois needs caution
2024 State of the State: Federal rescue is over, so Illinois needs caution
The pandemic had an upside for Illinois state finances – infusing federal dollars as state revenues exceeded projections. Now federal aid is gone. Illinoisans’ ongoing struggles warrant caution, reform in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget.
By Bryce Hill
Lawmakers consider renewing Invest in Kids scholarships
Lawmakers consider renewing Invest in Kids scholarships
A new bill would revive a scholarship program that was stripped from 9,600 low-income Illinois students, ending their best chances to attend schools of their choice.
By Dylan Sharkey
Opinion: Why Illinois’ state budget matters to you
Opinion: Why Illinois’ state budget matters to you
Illinois will spend over $50 billion this year to operate state government, which is $10 billion more than when J.B. Pritzker first started spending your taxes. Here are some reasons to pay attention to the upcoming state budget.
By Hilary Gowins