Illinois forms businesses at one of lowest rates in Midwest

By Bryce Hill

08/12/2025

Despite leading the region in businesses applying to open, Illinois’ combative business climate results in few business actually starting.

Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it

By FJ Hilgart

05/01/2025

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal slashes general funds for economic development while relying on federal dollars to mask the cuts. This move raises doubts about the governor’s fiscal priorities.

TAGS: JB Pritzker

Illinois drivers face some of nation’s highest costs, expected to grow

By Ravi Mishra

04/01/2025

Fears have grown that more efficient cars mean less money for Illinois to fund roads. But the state already collects higher revenues than ever while burdening drivers with high taxes and fees.

Illinois’ emergency reserves lowest in nation

By Bryce Hill

03/06/2025

Illinois is dead last of the 50 states in its ability to handle a financial crisis. It couldn’t last a month. The rainy-day fund that should be its primary reserve, and that Gov. J.B. Pritzker lauded himself for refilling, could barely cover two weeks.

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...

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...

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

Report: How Illinois can give parents more choice within public school system

By Hannah Schmid

05/28/2024

Illinois has limited charter school options or open enrollment policies. Lawmakers should expand public school choice options in Illinois to give families more control over their children’s education.

5 jobs Illinois imposes heaviest licensing burdens on

By Joe Tabor

12/04/2023

Employment is the clearest path out of poverty, but these five low-income professions face more occupational licensing burdens than others in Illinois.

Illinois licensing makes escaping poverty harder than in other Midwestern states

By Joe Tabor

11/27/2023

Illinois could make it easier to escape poverty by letting more people work without first getting a license. Six neighboring states do a better job of easing occupational licensing on low-income professions.

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Illinois forms businesses at one of lowest rates in Midwest

Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it

Illinois drivers face some of nation’s highest costs, expected to grow

Illinois’ emergency reserves lowest in nation

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

Regulatory reform can make housing more affordable for Illinois families

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

Report: How Illinois can give parents more choice within public school system

5 jobs Illinois imposes heaviest licensing burdens on

Illinois licensing makes escaping poverty harder than in other Midwestern states

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