August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know

By Lilly Rossi

08/04/2025

There is one time a year for most public education employees to opt out of their teachers union. That time is now. Here’s why it might make sense for you.

TAGS: opt out, teachers union

North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too

By Patrick Andriesen

08/01/2025

The North Carolina state legislature became the first in the U.S. to approve a bill joining the Educational Choice for Children Act. Illinois owes the same to its children after taking away private-school choice from over 15,000 low-income students.

TAGS: school choice

Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

The Illinois Senate attempted to pass a “rescue package” for Chicago area mass transit that would punish suburban homeowners with a new real estate transfer tax. State leaders must instead focus on reforms to boost housing and economic growth.

5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed

By Rich Witzel

07/31/2025

About 2-in-5 Illinois elementary students can read at grade level, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Five new bills would improve student outcomes and parental involvement.

TAGS: public schools

Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.

By Ravi Mishra

07/31/2025

Illinois’ latest drop in gross domestic product shows broader issues with the state. The state’s real GDP has been struggling for years.

TAGS: GDP: gross domestic product

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

By LyLena Estabine

07/31/2025

Illinois has the nation’s worst public pension crisis. Nationwide analysis from the Equable Institute shows Illinois state pensions remain fiscally unstable and threaten retirees and taxpayers, underscoring the need for reform.

Illinois teachers can opt out of unions in August. Here’s why they should.

By Mailee Smith

07/30/2025

Just 15% to 26% of Illinois teachers union spending was on representing teachers in 2024. But public education employees can opt out of union membership and keep their hard-earned money.

TAGS: IEA-NEA: Illinois Education Association

Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes

By Ravi Mishra

07/28/2025

Despite record revenues, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2026 budget hikes taxes by another $482 million. Illinoisans are paying 44% more than six years ago and getting higher tax burdens as thanks.

State government salaries have grown 57% faster than private sector since 2021

By Mailee Smith, Bryce Hill

07/28/2025

State employees represented by AFSCME Council 31 received an automatic annual raise on July 1, highlighting the salary discrepancy between government and private sector workers.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Chicago pension sweetener would add $11.1 billion in liabilities

By LyLena Estabine

07/25/2025

State lawmakers boosted benefits for Chicago police and firefighters in the final days of the legislative session. Gov. J.B. Pritzker should reject this bill, or else it will add billions in debt to an already struggling city.

Illinois

August is teacher union opt-out time: what you need to know

North Carolina makes first move to join federal school choice; Illinois should, too

Suburban Chicago house tax plan would choke lagging growth

5 new bills help fix Illinois education, but more is needed

Illinois economy declines 2.2% in early 2025, one of biggest drops in U.S.

Report shows Illinois government pension crisis worst in U.S.

Illinois teachers can opt out of unions in August. Here’s why they should.

Illinois revenue $717M more than expected, but politicians still raise taxes

State government salaries have grown 57% faster than private sector since 2021

Chicago pension sweetener would add $11.1 billion in liabilities

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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