Sen. Graciela Guzman has introduced contradictory bills. One calls for more state funding, while the other would block donated federal money for students.
A record share of Illinois university employees opt out of pensions for a 401(k)-style plan, lawmakers should give other state employees the same flexibility.
Occupational licensing requirements present one of the steepest barriers to low-income Illinoisans starting careers in beauty services. Illinois requires anyone seeking to become a barber, cosmetologist, nail technician or hair braider to obtain a state license, essentially a permission slip to work. Unlike 45 other states, Illinois offers only one pathway to licensure for each...