‘Homeschool Act’ changes create more problems, could traumatize kids

By Mailee Smith

04/09/2025

Bill sponsors for a second time amended the ‘Homeschool Act’ as they tried to blunt the heavy criticism of the constitutional, parenting and privacy rights it could trample. Illinois Policy expert testimony showed the changes create more problems with the bill.

TAGS: homeschool

Illinois might revive back-to-school sales tax holiday

By Dylan Sharkey

04/09/2025

Illinois lawmakers are looking at a bill that would cut sales taxes during back-to-school shopping. Illinois hasn’t had a sales tax holiday in years. The bill would lower the state sales tax from 6.25% to 1.25% on clothes and school supplies for six days in August 2025.

TAGS: sales tax

Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?

By Patrick Andriesen

04/08/2025

The “Homeschool Act” adds taxpayer costs and exposes families’ religion and private information – all in the name of curbing child neglect and abuse. Trouble is, a survey showed state lawmakers are targeting the students where they are least at risk.

TAGS: homeschool

Illinois close to ending strict hair braiding requirements

By Dylan Sharkey

04/08/2025

Hair braiders across Illinois may face fewer restrictions on their trade. The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill changing the state’s hair braiding laws.

Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability

By LyLena Estabine

04/08/2025

House Bill 1813 would prevent municipalities from prohibiting the construction of accessory dwelling units such as granny houses or basement apartments, allowing more opportunity for naturally affordable housing solutions.

Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing

By LyLena Estabine

04/08/2025

Illinois House Bill 1814 would legalize more affordable options such as duplexes and townhomes for working families. If the bill passes, it will mark a win for affordability and housing choice.

TAGS: affordable housing

Statehouse finds ‘Homeschool Act’ would cost taxpayers unknown amount

By Mailee Smith

04/08/2025

A note added to House Bill 2827 shows it likely will add costs for school districts, regional offices of education and even individual schools. The Illinois State Board of Education should retract its support of the bill restricting homeschools and private schools.

Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois

By Hannah Schmid

04/08/2025

The tentative agreement between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools will further damage charter schools in Chicago. CTU also has been working in the Statehouse to hinder charter schools and place more restrictions on them statewide.

Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty

By Chris Coffey

04/07/2025

Minnesota and Utah have taken practical approaches to financial literacy education that have measurably improved students’ understanding in both states. Illinois should do more to teach students how to manage their money.

Illinois Federation of Teachers is failing students

By Hannah Schmid

04/07/2025

Students in large school districts unionized by the Illinois Federation of Teachers underperform the state average in reading and math.

TAGS: IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Illinois

‘Homeschool Act’ changes create more problems, could traumatize kids

Illinois might revive back-to-school sales tax holiday

Survey: Homeschooled students face less abuse. So why are Illinois lawmakers targeting families?

Illinois close to ending strict hair braiding requirements

Illinois looks at adding more granny houses to boost affordability

Illinois lawmakers get chance to boost affordable family housing

Statehouse finds ‘Homeschool Act’ would cost taxpayers unknown amount

Chicago Teachers Union spreads attacks on charter schools across Illinois

Teaching Illinois students to be smart with money can cut poverty

Illinois Federation of Teachers is failing students

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

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