George Kokuro
George Kokuro
“I want lawmakers to know that some people out here don’t have enough money to better themselves, so they depend on people like Empower Illinois."
Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days
Brandon Johnson’s first 100 days
Vallas: School choice and the hypocrisy of Chicago Teachers Union leaders
Vallas: School choice and the hypocrisy of Chicago Teachers Union leaders
According to the Chicago Teachers Union leadership, supporters of school choice for poor children are fascists and racists. What does it say when four out of 10 CTU teachers send their children to private schools, including CTU President Stacy Davis Gates?
Lawsuit filed over Illinois mandating all constitutional challenges be filed in just 2 counties
Lawsuit filed over Illinois mandating all constitutional challenges be filed in just 2 counties
The law would limit the venue for state constitutional claims to Cook or Sangamon counties. Downstate residents are suing because judges they aren’t allowed to elect will hear cases.
CTU president reportedly puts her child in private school but opposes choice for others
CTU president reportedly puts her child in private school but opposes choice for others
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been vehemently opposed to school choice, calling it ‘racist.’ But she reportedly put one of her own children in private school. Choice for me, but not for thee?
The Policy Shop: More money, more problems at Chicago Public Schools
The Policy Shop: More money, more problems at Chicago Public Schools
This edition of The Policy Shop comes to you from policy analyst Hannah Schmid. Almost everyone in Illinois is back to school at this point – even Chicago Public Schools’ first day was earlier than their typical post-Labor Day start. Speaking of CPS, many students will return to Chicago school buildings with mostly empty seats...
Illinois government unions celebrate Labor Day with 36,000 fewer members
Illinois government unions celebrate Labor Day with 36,000 fewer members
Labor Day this year leaves Illinois government unions fewer members to celebrate with. It appears to be the unions’ own fault. Over 36,000 workers have distanced themselves since 2017.
The Policy Shop: Chicago’s youth violence problem
The Policy Shop: Chicago’s youth violence problem
This edition of The Policy Shop comes to you from policy adviser Paul Vallas and writer Patrick Andriesen. Happy Wednesday. Today we’ll be looking at gun violence in Chicago and the spike in youth crime, trying to understand what’s really going on. Chicago’s gun problem. Shootings in Chicago in 2022 were up by nearly one-third compared...
Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average
Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average
The new report published by Headset found Illinoisans are paying 89% more for the average cannabis item than the rest of the nation. Researchers attribute the high prices to stifled competition.
Chicago Fact Sheet
Chicago Fact Sheet
Chicago is one of the nation's greatest cities, but it has challenges. An outline of four of the most significant problems.
Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms
Mapes corruption conviction again shows need for 4 Illinois ethics reforms
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff and confidant was found guilty of perjury. His conviction is a reminder Springfield has a long way to go on ethics reform.
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union out to destroy superior performance of charter schools
Vallas: Chicago Teachers Union out to destroy superior performance of charter schools
Charter schools give low-income and minority students a better shot at success. So why is the Chicago Teachers Union trying to hurt charter schools’ better academic performance at lower cost?
Former Madigan chief of staff found guilty on perjury charges
Former Madigan chief of staff found guilty on perjury charges
Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to ousted Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, was convicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?