Center for Poverty Solutions Archives

Poverty loses when human dignity prevails

America has lost the War on Poverty. After nearly 60 years and $12 trillion, the poverty rate remains stuck between 11% and 15%. We’ve focused on making poverty more bearable rather than helping people escape a trap that lasts for generations. We’ve created dependence and taken people’s dignity and purpose. There are better ways to treat people, and we will bring free-market solutions to one of the most important policy issues of our time through the Center for Poverty Solutions, starting in Chicago. Together, we can defeat poverty and build self-worth.

Federal aid feeds over 1M Illinois families this Thanksgiving

Over 1 million Illinois families will put turkey on the table this Thanksgiving with the help of federal food assistance.

By Patrick Andriesen

REPORTS

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

Chicago’s hidden housing solution: How additional dwelling unit expansion can make city more affordable

Unlocking Opportunity: How Occupational Licensing Reform Would Promote Equitable Empowerment in Illinois

Building not permitted: Building permits in Illinois are a barrier to housing affordability

Here’s why buying an Illinois home can be hard

Illinois home prices have jumped nearly 50% since 2018 while available housing hasn’t recovered since the pandemic, creating a housing shortage.

By LyLena Estabine, Jon Josko

Diana Graham

Diana Graham has served as the president of the Lotus Neighbors for Action block club in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood for nearly two decades. After 55 years of walking her block at Madison and Lotus, Miss Graham has become a cornerstone in her community. Whether it’s connecting people on her block with jobs, paying out of...

Government benefit system traps 710,000 Illinoisans

Benefit programs in Illinois punish people for hard work. An estimated 710,000 Illinoisans have intentionally held themselves back financially to avoid losing government benefits.

By Dylan Sharkey

National award recognizes Center for Poverty Solutions’ job co-op

The Illinois Policy Institute’s Center for Poverty Solutions received national backing for a job co-op that will target Chicago’s most beleaguered neighborhoods. The effort will help communities liberate themselves from government dependence.

By Eddie Kornegay

Vallas: Work-study changes futures of Chicago’s at-risk youth

Summer jobs programs are not enough to keep Chicago’s youth out of trouble. To reach their potential, a year-round answer is needed. Paid apprenticeships or other work-study need to become part of public education.

By Paul Vallas

Nearly 2M Illinoisans still need federal food benefits, most in Chicago

Although enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program declined marginally in April, nearly 2 million Illinoisans still depend on the federal food aid. Illinois’ food insecurity has yet to recover from the pandemic.

By Sachi Gaonkar

710k Illinoisans avoid work advancement to keep welfare benefits

Welfare programs are structured poorly and punish people for working to climb out of poverty. An estimated 710,000 Illinoisans have intentionally hurt their own economic advancement to keep welfare benefits.

By Sachi Gaonkar

What you need to know about welfare work requirements in Illinois

Congress just put work requirements in place for some receiving federal health care and food assistance benefits. What does that mean for the 1-in-4 Illinois residents currently on Medicaid?

By Jack Knorr

Chicago mayor pushes for granny flats citywide to boost affordable housing

Legalizing additional dwelling units across Chicago would expand housing options, support families and boost affordability without changing the character of single-family neighborhoods. Chicago’s mayor is ready to move on the issue.

By LyLena Estabine

Iowa barbers now earn as they learn; Illinois forces $38k in costs

Iowa just cut cosmetology and barber training red tape, allowing students to learn on the job, get paid and finish debt free. Illinois should do the same, offering apprenticeships in licensed occupations rather than forcing aspiring workers to take on big debt.

By Lauren Zuar

Rockford workforce program lays concrete foundation for young adults

As Illinois faces high unemployment, a persistent skills gap and thousands of at-risk youth, Rockford delivers opportunity through a targeted workforce program. It offers a model for other Illinois cities.

By Lauren Zuar