Testimony: Scholarship program a ‘remarkable opportunity’

By Josh Bandoch

03/13/2026

Cook County’s commissioners can voice support for education funding to students across the state

An easy way to get more education money for Illinois

By Mailee Smith

03/09/2026

Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants more federal funding. A new program would provide donor money— but he must opt in.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

By Ravi Mishra, Tom Demmer

02/12/2026

Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.

Most states already say ‘yes’ to donations for students

By Lilly Rossi

02/02/2026

At least 28 states have already said they plan to opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program to let donors provide extra academic help to their students.

Budget cap could have saved Chicago $600M

By Geoff Feinstein

10/24/2025

Chicago’s budget has grown much faster than inflation, leaving taxpayers to endure higher costs without receiving better services. Implementing a spending cap linked to inflation could have kept costs under control, helping prevent future deficits

$3.3B in road funds sit idle, yet Illinois drivers face record-high gas taxes

By Ravi Mishra

09/16/2025

If Illinois state lawmakers are not going to spend the $3.3 billion sitting in the state’s road fund, drivers should get a break from the taxes going into it. Illinois gasoline taxes are No. 2 in the U.S.

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing to 7.5 years for bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud ends his active role in Illinois politics. But his legacy of gerrymandering will continue to shape Illinois politics long after he’s behind bars.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

By Josh Bandoch, Lauren Zuar

06/03/2025

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...

Group pushes tax on Amazon deliveries, digital ads in final budget talks

By Ravi Mishra

05/30/2025

With the budget facing a potential $1.2 billion deficit, some ideas on the table include taxing deliveries from companies such as Amazon and digital ads.

Lawmakers seek to strengthen student literacy through teacher training

By Hannah Schmid

05/08/2025

House Bill 1368 builds on previous literacy efforts by state lawmakers in 2023. If passed, professional development for literacy instruction would be aligned with “science of reading” strategies.

TAGS: public schools

Colorado

Testimony: Scholarship program a ‘remarkable opportunity’

An easy way to get more education money for Illinois

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Most states already say ‘yes’ to donations for students

Budget cap could have saved Chicago $600M

$3.3B in road funds sit idle, yet Illinois drivers face record-high gas taxes

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Group pushes tax on Amazon deliveries, digital ads in final budget talks

Lawmakers seek to strengthen student literacy through teacher training

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Report Archive

Diana Graham

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

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