Illinois’ February unemployment rate 5th highest in U.S.
Illinois’ February unemployment rate 5th highest in U.S.
Unemployment in Illinois remains stubbornly high. February’s unemployment rate was the fifth highest in the nation at 4.8%.
Aziza Butler
Aziza Butler
“As a mother, teacher and support for homeschooling families, this overactive government intervention pains my heart.”
‘Homeschool Act’ changes create more problems, could traumatize kids
‘Homeschool Act’ changes create more problems, could traumatize kids
Bill sponsors for a second time amended the ‘Homeschool Act’ as they tried to blunt the heavy criticism of the constitutional, parenting and privacy rights it could trample. Illinois Policy expert testimony showed the changes create more problems with the bill.
Illinois might revive back-to-school sales tax holiday
Illinois might revive back-to-school sales tax holiday
Illinois lawmakers are looking at a bill that would cut sales taxes during back-to-school shopping. Illinois hasn’t had a sales tax holiday in years. The bill would lower the state sales tax from 6.25% to 1.25% on clothes and school supplies for six days in August 2025.
Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?
Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?
The “Homeschool Act” adds taxpayer costs and exposes families’ religion and private information – all in the name of curbing child neglect and abuse. Trouble is, a survey showed state lawmakers are targeting the students where they are least at risk.
Illinois close to ending strict hair braiding requirements
Illinois close to ending strict hair braiding requirements
Hair braiders across Illinois may face fewer restrictions on their trade. The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill changing the state’s hair braiding laws.
Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability
Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability
House Bill 1813 would prevent municipalities from prohibiting the construction of accessory dwelling units such as granny houses or basement apartments, allowing more opportunity for naturally affordable housing solutions.
Map Testing
Map Testing
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Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing
Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing
Illinois House Bill 1814 would legalize more affordable options such as duplexes and townhomes for working families. If the bill passes, it will mark a win for affordability and housing choice.
Statehouse finds ‘Homeschool Act’ would cost taxpayers unknown amount
Statehouse finds ‘Homeschool Act’ would cost taxpayers unknown amount
A note added to House Bill 2827 shows it likely will add costs for school districts, regional offices of education and even individual schools. The Illinois State Board of Education should retract its support of the bill restricting homeschools and private schools.
Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois
Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois
The tentative agreement between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools will further damage charter schools in Chicago. CTU also has been working in the Statehouse to hinder charter schools and place more restrictions on them statewide.
How well are students learning in Illinois Federation of Teachers schools?
How well are students learning in Illinois Federation of Teachers schools?
Does it matter which union represents your child’s teachers? The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents a lot of school districts where student performance is lacking.
Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty
Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty
Minnesota and Utah have taken practical approaches to financial literacy education that have measurably improved students’ understanding in both states. Illinois should do more to teach students how to manage their money.
Chicago Teachers Union contract will be costly, but did union get what it demanded?
Chicago Teachers Union contract will be costly, but did union get what it demanded?
After bankrolling Mayor Brandon Johnson’s way into office, the Chicago Teachers Union went into contract negotiations demanding 700-plus new provisions, estimated to cost at least $10 billion. What it got: 150 new provisions worth around $1.5 billion.