Joe Ocol
Joe Ocol
“I have nothing against the union, but I have something against people who use the union for a political agenda for their own self-interest, because I feel that this has something to do with political motives.”
Day 2 of Chicago Teachers Union walkout costs students
Day 2 of Chicago Teachers Union walkout costs students
The Chicago Teachers Union’s refusal to conduct in-person classes is idling students for a second day. Students pay the price for a union ignoring the public health experts and other large districts.
Chicago parents had 8 hours’ notice of teachers union walkout
Chicago parents had 8 hours’ notice of teachers union walkout
Not only were there few hours to find child care for working families, but the word came as most people were asleep that the Chicago Teachers Union was forcing schools to close the next day.
Illinois loses more people faster to other states during COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois loses more people faster to other states during COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois, California and New York shrank the most and lost people fastest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas and Florida grew the most. Idaho, Utah and Montana grew the fastest.
Ep. 18: 2022 and beyond with Jordan Ryan
Ep. 18: 2022 and beyond with Jordan Ryan
When we look ahead at 2022, the year is full of potential. With a new legislative session beginning today, Illinois Policy is focused on policy solutions that can improve the lives and livelihoods of our Illinoisans around the state – including protecting unemployment insurance, expanding tax credit scholarships, repealing an auotmatic gas tax hike and...
Chicago teachers who don’t want to walk out on students have options
Chicago teachers who don’t want to walk out on students have options
The Chicago Teachers Union refused to return to classrooms Jan. 5. Teachers who recognize the failings of remote learning and want to be there for their students have options.
Chicago Teachers Union uses COVID-19 to walk out on students, again
Chicago Teachers Union uses COVID-19 to walk out on students, again
Chicago schools closed Jan. 5 when the Chicago Teachers Union voted to keep members out of classrooms, trying to force an end to in-person learning over COVID-19 concerns.
Illinois sees among worst spending drops early in COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois sees among worst spending drops early in COVID-19 pandemic
While the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused consumer spending to drop across the U.S., the decline was worse in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s harsher restrictions appear to be the culprit.
Illinois lawmakers plan to spend little time in Springfield
Illinois lawmakers plan to spend little time in Springfield
The Illinois General Assembly begins a new session Jan. 5, but it is not expected to last long. They may have a new state budget and wrap up almost two months early.
Illinois driver facilities closed for COVID-19 until mid-January
Illinois driver facilities closed for COVID-19 until mid-January
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said driver services facilities and his offices statewide will remain closed for in-person services until mid-January as the state aims to curb record COVID-19 cases.
Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues
Chicago now requires COVID-19 vaccination, ID for public venues
Planning an evening out in Chicago? You now need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a photo ID to get in most places.
Chicago’s speed cameras ticket 8X faster after limit drops to 6 mph
Chicago’s speed cameras ticket 8X faster after limit drops to 6 mph
Chicago’s speed cameras in 10 months churned out nearly as many tickets as the prior 3 years combined, handing every city household 2.2 tickets. The 8-fold spike came immediately after the city started ticketing at 6 mph over the limit.