Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles

By Ravi Mishra

07/02/2025

Illinois’ latest budget diverts millions in infrastructure funds to cover structural budget deficits despite substandard road conditions.

Illinois adds 21,200 jobs, but trails most neighboring states in growth

By Jack Knorr

07/01/2025

Despite Illinois experiencing job growth in some sectors, it remains one of the states with the highest unemployment rates. It’s been that way for 66 of the 77 months J.B. Pritzker has been governor thanks to high taxes and too much state spending.

TAGS: jobs, unemployment

Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’

By Charlotte Rotkis

06/30/2025

While 47 states celebrate freedom with fireworks blazing across the sky, Illinois clings to a 1942 ban that limits autonomy and ignores safety data. Illinois residents cross state lines to partake in fireworks fun, while the state loses revenue and credibility.

TAGS: fireworks ban, Independence Day, taxes

Illinois pensioners earn nearly $25K more retired than those working to support them

By Patrick Andriesen

06/26/2025

The average retired career state employee in Illinois was paid $93,558 in pension benefits last year. That’s $24,538 more than the average Illinoisan working to pay for those retirees.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees, pensions, taxes

Illinois lawmakers stall housing reforms, but avoid worst bills

By LyLena Estabine

06/10/2025

Illinois state lawmakers failed to advance bills that would have helped ease housing shortages and reduced costs. Legislators also rejected damaging measures that would have most hurt housing builders and boosted rents and mortgages.

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

By Josh Bandoch, Lauren Zuar

06/03/2025

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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.

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

By Paul Vallas

05/26/2025

As Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker positions himself as the foil to President Donald Trump, a look at his record as governor is telling. What it is telling is not good.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, jobs, taxes

Too much local government makes Illinois inefficient, raises property taxes

By Chris Coffey

05/21/2025

Illinois is the most inefficient state in the Midwest and the 14th-most inefficient in the country. That’s driven in part by excessive units of local government – more than in any other state. High property taxes are one result.

TAGS: local government consolidation

Illinois food assistance dips in January, but still leads region

By Lauren Zuar

05/07/2025

Illinois had a slight decrease in food assistance recipients in January, yet the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation remains higher than it was a decade ago and ahead of neighboring states.

TAGS: SNAP

Midwestern United States

Illinois moves over $300M out of road fund as infrastructure crumbles

Illinois adds 21,200 jobs, but trails most neighboring states in growth

Fireworks freedom denied: Illinois 1 of only 3 states still saying ‘no’

Illinois pensioners earn nearly $25K more retired than those working to support them

Illinois lawmakers stall housing reforms, but avoid worst bills

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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

Vallas: Pritzker for president? Check that Illinois baggage.

Too much local government makes Illinois inefficient, raises property taxes

Illinois food assistance dips in January, but still leads region

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