Voter suppression is an art in Illinois, where decades of rules to give incumbents or favored-party candidates an easy ride to reelection deny voters choices in about half of Illinois House races. Illinois Policy is trying to change that by increasing the choices that bring out voters.
Illinois is one of the states that taxes diapers, costing a family about $120 a year. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and 32 other governors are being asked to dispose of their diaper taxes.
AFSCME union members receive generous salaries and benefits from their state contract, yet union bosses are pushing to enshrine their power in the Illinois Constitution – something no other state has been willing to do.
Vermont and other blue states have recent pension reforms including reductions in cost of living adjustments. What makes Illinois different?
“CTU wants to keep pushing and striking for demands not even related to education and I don't want the CTU to have any more power to do that. Learning should not be impeded or stopped for the union’s political games.”
Illinois is steadily adding jobs lost during the COVID-19 economic downturn, but despite 10 months of gains the state recovery lags the nation. Some metropolitan areas are far behind where they were.
With 82 statehouse races expected to be contested – the most in at least 24 years – the number of ballots cast could reach 4.3 million. That would be the highest non-presidential year figure in recent history.
Illinois has no mask mandate or requirements for showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination. So why is Gov. J.B. Pritzker still declaring a state of emergency and holding onto those powers?
Progressive voices decry voter suppression in states such as Texas, but the very blue state of Illinois is guilty of rampant voter suppression using a system of maps and rules that defeat many challengers before they ever get on the ballot. A new effort is working to change that.
“We must fix our state budget. Over 25% of the budget is pension payments, which is only going to get worse."
"I want to make sure the voices of the mental health community and those with illness are heard. In order to get access to the things that they need, they must be heard."
“I've never felt pulled to either end of the ideological spectrum. They serve a purpose and it’s important for people to be passionate about their beliefs. But my life experiences have always shown me that it's the middle way that creates the most impactful, pragmatic solutions.”
“I want to serve. I’m doing what I like to do and I’m helping small businesses. They’re the backbone of America.”