Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

ObamaCare Kills Virginia Insurance Company

ObamaCare Kills Virginia Insurance Company

On June 2, nHealth, a Virgina-based health insurance company, sent a letter to its agents announcing that it will exit the health insurance market due to the

Extended School Day Could Help Kids

Extended School Day Could Help Kids

Chicago's public schools have a shorter school day than schools in New York, Los Angeles and practically every district in Illinois.

Hanover Twp. Needs More Transparency

Hanover Twp. Needs More Transparency

As a resident and taxpayer of Hanover Township I am appalled to see the new allegations of questionable expenditures in the amount of $300,000. It is apparent that appropriate safeguards weren't in place to prevent such actions.

Victory for Rock Island Community

Victory for Rock Island Community

by Kate Piercy Last week the Rock Island County Board decided to give its local elected officials significant pay raises, increasing some by more than $10,000 a year. The Illinois Policy Institute responded, calling on the county board to reverse the salary increases, stand up for fiscal responsibility, vote down the pay raises, and focus...

Regulatory Roadblocks: Clearing the Path for Illinois Entrepreneurs

Regulatory Roadblocks: Clearing the Path for Illinois Entrepreneurs

The Problem Want to be a hair braider? Get a license. Already a pizza restaurateur? Raise your prices. Starting a business? First prove to the state there is a “need” for your product. Like flowers? Don’t even think about trying to sell them on the street—it’s not allowed. And, don’t dare try to start a...

By Kate Campaigne Piercy

The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries

The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries

Historically, public employees have faced a trade-off: lower wages than the private sector in exchange for job security and generous benefits. That trade-off, however, has been disappearing.

State Grants Tourism Money for “Amish Experience”

State Grants Tourism Money for “Amish Experience”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO) allocated $334,093.16 to fund a tourist attraction aimed at simulating an authentic Amish experience.

Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries

Spotlight on Spending #1: The Disparity Between Public Sector and Statewide Salaries

The Problem Historically, public employees have faced a trade-off: lower wages than the private sector in exchange for job security and generous benefits. That trade-off, however, has been disappearing over the years as government employees enjoy steady increases in wages, even during economic downturns. Meanwhile, businesses in the private sector must cut back or at...

By Kate Campaigne Piercy