What to expect as lawmakers rush to pass 2026 budget

By Bryce Hill

05/30/2025

State lawmakers have given themselves until May 31 to pass the state’s upcoming budget, here’s what might be included.

Pritzker grows state spending most among past 5 Illinois governors

By Patrick Andriesen

05/29/2025

Gov. J.B. Pritzker increased Illinois’ state spending more during his first six state budgets than any other state leader in terms of raw dollars since Gov. George Ryan, who took office more than 25 years ago.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending

By LyLena Estabine

05/29/2025

Since 2017, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has cut the property tax rate to 1.93% by cutting costs and spending smarter – a playbook other Illinois cities should copy.

Lawmakers should look outside of Springfield when choosing a fiscal watchdog

By Joe Tabor

05/29/2025

Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino is retiring after a 10-year term of monitoring public spending. The scrutiny his own campaign spending drew should have lawmakers rethink how they choose his replacement.

Illinois’ corporate tax already too high, but Springfield pushes for more

By Ravi Mishra

05/28/2025

If Illinois state lawmakers follow the Chicago Teachers Union’s push for a 7.92% base corporate tax rate, it can severely hurt Illinois’ competitiveness. Job creators do not need another reason to abandon Illinois.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, jobs, taxes

Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing

By Mark Batinick

05/28/2025

Illinois’ university system is losing students to other states as prices per student top the nation. The system and its funding need an overhaul, but state leaders instead are considering letting community colleges create even more competition.

TAGS: higher education

State board of education recommends lowering student proficiency standards

By Hannah Schmid

05/28/2025

Illinois students are struggling to meet proficiency standards on state assessments. Instead of working to improve student learning, the state wants to lower standards to hide the crisis.

TAGS: ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education

U.S. House passes federal school choice program, moves to Senate

By Hannah Schmid

05/28/2025

The Educational Choice for Children Act continues to progress after it was included in the budget reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House on May 22. It is cause for hope for 15,000 low-income Illinois students who lost their private-school scholarships in 2023.

TAGS: federal government, school choice

No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work

By Lauren Zuar

05/28/2025

A new Chicago ordinance will remove college degree requirements for most city jobs. The measure breaks down employment barriers for disadvantaged groups and opens new pathways to prosperity.

Only 4 states tax services by default, but Illinois may join them

By Patrick Andriesen

05/27/2025

Adding sales taxes to services is limited in the U.S., with 46 states not generally taxing services. Illinois may break from the pack and start adding sales taxes to haircuts, lawn care, car repair and a long list of other service expected to cost $2.7 billion.

Illinois

What to expect as lawmakers rush to pass 2026 budget

Pritzker grows state spending most among past 5 Illinois governors

Illinois cities should learn from Rockford when it comes to spending

Lawmakers should look outside of Springfield when choosing a fiscal watchdog

Illinois’ corporate tax already too high, but Springfield pushes for more

Batinick: Enrollment falls across Illinois universities, but prices keep climbing

State board of education recommends lowering student proficiency standards

U.S. House passes federal school choice program, moves to Senate

No degree? No problem. Chicago expanding access to work

Only 4 states tax services by default, but Illinois may join them

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