4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois

By Joe Tabor

09/05/2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently OK’d four new laws that would expand the ability for professionals to practice in Illinois. While they are advancements, Illinois’ onerous occupational licensing system needs comprehensive reform.

TAGS: occupational licensing

Pritzker scorecard: Illinois’ governor failing on economy, taxes, education

By Bryce Hill

08/15/2024

Real-world outcomes for Illinoisans have dropped since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office. The nation’s Democrats need to see where he’s taken Illinois before following his lead.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Democratic National Convention just in time to wave goodbye to Chicagoans

By Dylan Sharkey, Kurtis Karg

08/12/2024

The Democratic National Convention is coming to Chicago to highlight the party’s platform. Delegates are likely to see moving vans that highlight what those policies have done to the Windy City and the rest of Illinois.

TAGS: DNC: Democratic National Convention

Illinois property taxes at $5K are higher than 5 states combined

By Patrick Andriesen

08/01/2024

Illinoisans paid the second-highest property tax rate in the U.S. in 2022, with the median Illinois homeowner spending more than taxpayers in Alabama, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana and South Carolina combined. See how your county compares.

TAGS: property taxes, taxes

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

By Patrick Andriesen

07/31/2024

The Chicago Teachers Union is seeking a $543k property tax cut that would take about $301K from the schools where its members teach. CTU’s also making over $10 billion in contract demands, which would certainly drive up Chicagoans’ tax bills.

TAGS: Chicago Teachers Union, taxes

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families  

By Josh Bandoch, Joe Tabor

07/09/2024

Published July 9, 2024 America is facing a housing affordability crisis. According to a 2022 survey, 73% of Americans said the average person could not afford a home in their area, and 69% were worried about their children and grandchildren being able to afford a home. That’s unfair. Everyone deserves a good roof over their...

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

By John Tillman

07/04/2024

Fourth of July? No. We should always call it Independence Day to remember what we celebrate and what it means.

TAGS: freedom, Illinois, Independence Day

IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022

By Bryce Hill

07/01/2024

New data shows $9.9 billion flowed from Illinois to other states because people moved out in 2022. Most of those leaving earned $100,000 or more.

TAGS: population

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

By Hannah Schmid

05/30/2024

Third grade marks a critical reading milestone: if students struggle then, they will face greater problems during the rest of their educations. State data shows 7 of 10 Illinois third graders can’t read at grade level, meaning there’s trouble awaiting most Illinois students.

TAGS: public schools

Stacy Davis Gates pays $1,533 in Indiana back taxes, penalties – late

By Dylan Sharkey

05/02/2024

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates paid off $1,533 in back property taxes and penalties on her Indiana house after authorities revoked a credit reserved for owner occupants.

TAGS: CTU: Chicago Teachers Union, Stacy Davis Gates

Indiana

4 new occupational licensing laws remove barriers in Illinois

Pritzker scorecard: Illinois’ governor failing on economy, taxes, education

Democratic National Convention just in time to wave goodbye to Chicagoans

Illinois property taxes at $5K are higher than 5 states combined

Chicago Teachers Union demands $543K property tax break on union HQ

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

Call it Independence Day – the meaning matters

IRS: Illinois loses $9.9B in income as 87,311 residents move out in 2022

Literacy in Illinois: Low third-grade reading proficiency warns of trouble ahead

Stacy Davis Gates pays $1,533 in Indiana back taxes, penalties – late

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