44K international migrants offset 40K Illinoisans leaving last year

By Bryce Hill

01/27/2026

Illinois’ population grew by 16,108 in 2025 thanks to an influx of people migrating from other countries. But Illinoisans moving away offset most of that gain.

TAGS: outmigration, population

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

By Josh Bandoch, LyLena Estabine

10/01/2025

As housing prices continue to soar out of reach for more Americans, an impulse from policy makers across the country has been to attempt to mandate “affordable” prices through legislation. One common idea is rent control, which limits how much landlords can increase rents on residents. A related one is inclusionary zoning, which forces developers...

Businesses moving out of Illinois triples since pandemic

By Bryce Hill

08/12/2025

Illinois lost 218 businesses to other states in 2023, part of an acceleration to triple the rate of what losses were before the pandemic. When adjusted for population, Illinois ranked No. 2 for the most business losses.

Literacy epidemic hits Illinois as fewer than 1 in 3 students read well

By Hannah Schmid

03/28/2025

Student literacy is in trouble nationally. Illinois is one of 41 states where just 1 in 3 or fewer of its fourth-graders met reading standards in 2024.

TAGS: public schools

Illinois’ So-Called ‘Millionaire Tax’ Makes All Taxpayers a Target

By Matheus Cosso

03/05/2025

The “millionaire tax” will increase Illinois’ tax burden without necessarily increasing public funds. Revenue intended for education may fall short of expectations and will likely be absorbed by school administration before reaching students.

TAGS: millionaire tax

4 of 5 top states Americans moving to have flat or no income tax

By Bryce Hill

02/26/2025

Of the states most Americans are moving to, 4 of 5 have a flat or no income tax. The states losing the most residents? There again, 4 of 5 have progressive taxes. Illinois’ flat tax is an advantage it should keep.

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

01/28/2025

Published Jan. 28, 2025 Illinois Policy Institute Center for Poverty Solutions, in partnership with the Archbridge Institute By Joshua Bandoch, Ph.D., head of policy, Illinois Policy Institute and Justin Callais, Ph.D., chief economist, Archbridge Institute EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A low-income person’s ability to move up in society is worse in Illinois than in any other Midwestern...

3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois

By Matheus Cosso

10/29/2024

Illinois voters on Nov. 5 will be asked whether they favor a “millionaire tax.” Here are three things to know about it: the tax can be easily avoided, it fails to provide stable revenue and it discourages or limits economic growth.

Illinois can learn from Massachusetts, Washington D.C. for career programs

By Aayush Goodpaty

10/22/2024

Illinois can learn from other programs on how to prepare residents facing a benefits cliff, where low-income families are penalized for advancing in their careers.

Illinois part of national epidemic, with only 1 in 3 students reading well

By Hannah Schmid

09/19/2024

Student literacy is in trouble nationally, which is why Illinois is one of 35 states where just 1 in 3 – or fewer – of its fourth graders met reading standards in 2022.

Massachusetts

44K international migrants offset 40K Illinoisans leaving last year

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

Businesses moving out of Illinois triples since pandemic

Literacy epidemic hits Illinois as fewer than 1 in 3 students read well

Illinois’ So-Called ‘Millionaire Tax’ Makes All Taxpayers a Target

4 of 5 top states Americans moving to have flat or no income tax

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

3 ways a ‘millionaire tax’ would hurt Illinois

Illinois can learn from Massachusetts, Washington D.C. for career programs

Illinois part of national epidemic, with only 1 in 3 students reading well

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