Illinois Policy

Statement from Paul Vallas: Chicago puts commercial real estate transfer tax hike on ballot

The Chicago City Council passed a resolution 32-17 yesterday that places an increase to the city’s real-estate transfer tax on the primary ballot in March.

Cook County property tax bills mailed today, due Dec. 1

Property owners will pay $909M more as median residential tax bill nears $5K

What to watch: Will Illinois lawmakers revive the Invest in Kids scholarship?

63% of Illinoisans support the scholarship program for low-income students

Pritzker for president? ‘No,’ say 60% of Illinois voters polled

According to the Illinois Policy Institute’s Lincoln Poll a majority of Illinoisans find Illinois is on the “wrong track” and would leave the state if they had the opportunity

Chicago crime declines, but becomes more violent over 10 years

A report from the Illinois Policy Institute finds cases of homicide and motor vehicle theft each increased by over 30% in the past decade. Arrest rates hit a 10-year low in 2022.

Chicago mayor addresses budget problems, priorities today

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will unveil his 2024 budget proposal today, estimated to face a deficit of $538 million.

44% of Chicago adults living in poverty have some college experience

Eradicating poverty in Chicago is not as simple as improving educational attainment. Many impoverished Chicagoans have advanced education.

Illinois Policy Institute launches the Center for Poverty Solutions to reduce poverty in Chicago

Sixty years and nearly $12 trillion since President Lyndon Johnson declared the War on Poverty, 17.2% of Chicagoans still live in poverty – over 450,000 men, women and children struggling every day.