Illinois Policy Institute research cited in US Senate hearing on education
Illinois Policy Institute research cited in US Senate hearing on education
Illinois Policy Institute research was cited in a U.S Senate hearing on education spending to show more funding isn’t the solution for poor performance in public schools.
By Dylan Sharkey
Utah makes life easier for job seekers; Illinois can, too
Utah makes life easier for job seekers; Illinois can, too
Utah consolidated and integrated government job and social services into a one-stop shop. Illinois can follow that example and efficiently pull more people out of poverty and into the working world.
By Chris Coffey
What does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?
What does it take to get a building permit in Chicago?
Chicago lags behind other cities in housing affordability. The city’s permitting process could be holding it back.
By Joe Tabor
Vallas: Mayor, supporters see unlimited migration as fix to population loss
Vallas: Mayor, supporters see unlimited migration as fix to population loss
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sees unlimited migration as a solution to population loss. What he should be doing is recognizing crime and a lack of quality school choice is driving out families.
By Paul Vallas
Illinois judge rules mid-election attempt to stop challengers is unconstitutional
Illinois judge rules mid-election attempt to stop challengers is unconstitutional
In a victory for Illinois voter choice, a permanent injunction was issued against a mid-election attempt by state leaders to prevent challengers from getting on the Nov. 5 ballot.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois lawmakers consider ‘Worker Freedom of Speech Act’ to restrict employers
Illinois lawmakers consider ‘Worker Freedom of Speech Act’ to restrict employers
A new bill in the Illinois General Assembly would ban employers from penalizing employees who do not show up to sponsored meetings. Employers could face $1,000 fines.
By Dylan Sharkey
Recap: 1 year of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, watch out in Year 2
Recap: 1 year of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, watch out in Year 2
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took office on May 15, 2023. One year later, none of the $800 million in new taxes have passed. But expect a big taxpayer impact during his second year: he’s negotiating a contract with his former employer, the Chicago Teachers Union.
By Dylan Sharkey
James Kirchner
James Kirchner
Before May 3, slating was the only way new candidates could still get on the ballot before the 2024 general election. House Democrats filed and passed the rule change within 72 hours. James Kirchner had already put time and effort into the slating process, so he’s among the candidates planning to sue over the new...
Lawmakers take all 3 advisory question spots on November ballot
Lawmakers take all 3 advisory question spots on November ballot
Illinois lawmakers gave voters three issues on which they can offer opinions during the November election. They filled all the available ballot spots, leading a group with their own advisory question to cry ‘foul.’
By Dylan Sharkey
Carl Kunz
Carl Kunz
“I told people, ‘You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.’ When you just complain and you’re not going to do anything about it, you’re likely a part of the problem. By running for office, I felt like I was able to be part of the solution.”
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Editorial: State lawmakers in Springfield pass bill to cut off competition in 78 races
Why did SB 2412 need to pass on May 2, in the middle of the election cycle, weeks after the primary election but still well ahead of the November general election? Many candidates had already started the complicated process of petition gathering and paperwork under the old rules. What justifies changing those rules in the middle of the game?
By Hilary Gowins
Leslie Collazo
Leslie Collazo
On May 2, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an election law change in the middle of a campaign year. It ends “slating,” a process through which candidates could be put on the general election ballot by local parties after the primary election. There are 78 active Statehouse races affected, many with potential candidates who had put...