Amendment 1 would permanently enshrine Madigan union deals in Illinois Constitution

By Dylan Sharkey

03/03/2022

Amendment 1 would permanently write indicted former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s public union deals into the state constitution. If passed, neither lawmakers nor voters could ever change them.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Mike Madigan, unions

Pritzker’s strict COVID-19 policies slowed Illinois’ job recovery

By Bryce Hill, Jim Royal

02/23/2022

A new Fed report shows strict COVID-19 policies and enhanced unemployment benefits likely contributed to Illinois’ sluggish recovery from the pandemic recession.

TAGS: COVID-19, economic recovery, JB Pritzker, jobs

Illinois last in Midwest to lift statewide mask mandate

By Patrick Andriesen

02/14/2022

Gov. J.B. Pritzker will end the statewide indoor mask mandate for most Illinoisans Feb. 28, joining the 39 other states who have already lifted COVID-19 restrictions on residents. Illinois will be the only state in the Midwest still mandating masks in schools at the state level.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, mask mandate

The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery

By Orphe Divounguy

01/27/2022

Published Jan. 27, 2022 Illinois’ economy was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but 2021 was supposed to be a year of recovery. Unfortunately, the policy climate continues to be the state’s biggest liability despite high vaccination rates, great natural endowments, a talented workforce, a large financial sector and a growing tech industry. While Illinois boasts...

Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021

By Bryce Hill

01/14/2022

Illinoisans fled at a record pace in 2021. The state lost 122,460 residents on net because of moves to other states.

TAGS: Illinois, outmigration, population

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

By Adam Schuster

08/24/2021

Classrooms First Act would benefit virtually all Illinoisans including teachers, parents and students.

Michigan Supreme Court rules against emergency powers similar to Pritzker’s

By Joe Tabor

10/02/2020

The Michigan Supreme Court concluded that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer could not legally extend her emergency executive orders without the approval of the legislature, while declaring another source of her authority unconstitutional altogether.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, executive order, Gretchen Whitmer, JB Pritzker

Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1

06/29/2020

Illinois’ second minimum wage increase this year is part of a plan to hit $15 an hour in 2025. Small businesses face tough decisions on cutting staff or raising prices.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, minimum wage, recession

5 reasons why Illinois’ latest spending plan insults taxpayers

By Adam Schuster

05/29/2020

Lawmakers made no serious attempt to balance the new budget, instead counting on a federal bailout. They accepted an $1,800 raise for themselves, while only making significant cuts to education.

TAGS: budget, government spending, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, special session

Pritzker failing to help out-of-work Illinoisans as other states adapt

By Austin Berg

04/21/2020

Illinoisans shoulder among the highest tax burdens of any state, and that should come with robust services. But soaring debt and pension costs have left too little room for the things residents need most from government.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, IDES: Illinois Department of Employment Security, JB Pritzker, unemployment

Michigan

Amendment 1 would permanently enshrine Madigan union deals in Illinois Constitution

Pritzker’s strict COVID-19 policies slowed Illinois’ job recovery

Illinois last in Midwest to lift statewide mask mandate

The State of The State: Illinois leaders partly responsible for a sluggish recovery

Illinois 1 of 7 states to see residents move out faster in 2021

Classrooms First: District consolidation can improve Illinois’ education outcomes while saving taxpayers money

Michigan Supreme Court rules against emergency powers similar to Pritzker’s

Illinois tops neighboring states with $10 minimum wage on July 1

5 reasons why Illinois’ latest spending plan insults taxpayers

Pritzker failing to help out-of-work Illinoisans as other states adapt

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

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