Illinois Policy Institute sues over state law violating employers’ freedom of speech

By Patrick Andriesen

08/12/2024

Illinois law now forbids employers from discussing ‘religious or political matters’ with employees. The Illinois Policy Institute is suing because that restriction on its free speech threatens its ability to operate.

TAGS: free speech

Illinois drivers pay 54 cents more per gallon than rest of U.S. ahead of July 4 travel

By Dylan Sharkey

06/29/2022

Independence Day travel will return to pre-pandemic levels this weekend, reminding Illinoisans they pay the most for gas in the Midwest thanks to high taxes.

TAGS: free speech, gas prices, gas station, gas tax, inflation, JB Pritzker, taxes

2019 laws in review, Illinois lawmakers passed both nice and naughty bills

12/20/2019

The Illinois General Assembly passed over 600 new laws in 2019. Some helped taxpayers, but many more hurt as they spent $85 billion while doing little to fix the pension crisis.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, capital plan, consolidation, Cook County, corruption, expungement, free speech, gas tax, government unions, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, Illinois Constitution, JB Pritzker, lawmakers, Luis Arroyo, Martin Sandoval, Open Illinois Checkbook, progressive income tax, record sealing, Springfield, tax hikes, taxes, transparency, vehicle registration

Janus v. AFSCME ruling confirms that government unions are inherently political

By illinoispolicy

06/27/2018

Illinois Policy Institute research finds government unions often spend more on politics than representation, and political giving skews Democrat

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, collective bargaining, free speech, Janus v. AFSCME, unions

U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of Janus, restores First Amendment rights to government workers

By Mailee Smith

06/27/2018

In a landmark labor case, the court ruled that forced union fees are unconstitutional. The decision marks the first step toward worker freedom for 5.5 million government employees across the United States – including 370,000 in Illinois.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, free speech, Janus v. AFSCME, unions

Chicago State president allegedly attempted to silence professor with false sexual-harassment claims

By Jeffrey Schwab

03/27/2015

Chicago State University was among the 10 worst colleges for free speech in 2014. With the latest development in this case, it appears CSU is making a strong bid to hold that distinction in 2015 as well.

TAGS: CSU: Chicago State University, cyberbullying, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, free speech, Haki Madhubuti, LaShondra Peebles

2 Illinois universities among worst in the nation for free speech

By Jeffrey Schwab

03/06/2015

Universities are supposed to be safe havens for controversial ideas, but at least 10 Illinois universities have one or more policies that clearly and substantially restrict freedom of speech.

TAGS: CSU: Chicago State University, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, free speech, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students