Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest

By Josh Bandoch

02/05/2026

 Illinois placed 38th nationally for social mobility. Its rank was pulled down by economic problems and corruption in its legal system.

Chicago metro area is 4th-hottest tech hub

By Josh Bandoch

01/27/2026

The Chicago area climbed up two spots as a technology hub, surpassing Silicon Valley. Government can foster that growth.

TAGS: jobs

Lawmaker gifts this holiday season? Illinois has rules.

By Lilly Rossi

12/22/2025

There are limits on gift giving to Illinois state lawmakers, but there are exceptions. Here’s where the state draws the line between generosity and graft.

Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness

By Patrick Andriesen

11/07/2025

Illinois’ state tax competitiveness ranking dropped six spots – from 32nd to 38th in the past six years. That’s the worst in the Midwest.

Illinois SNAP errors could cost taxpayers up to $700 million in penalties

By Lauren Zuar

10/20/2025

Illinois risks millions in penalties under new federal law because of errors in determining who qualifies for food assistance. To protect taxpayers and struggling families, the state must increase its administrative precision.

TAGS: SNAP

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.

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

By Patrick Andriesen

06/13/2025

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentencing to 7.5 years for bribery, conspiracy and wire fraud ends his active role in Illinois politics. But his legacy of gerrymandering will continue to shape Illinois politics long after he’s behind bars.

TAGS: Mike Madigan

‘Homeschool Act’ is about limiting school choice

By Mailee Smith

05/05/2025

Teachers unions have given millions to the state lawmakers targeting homeschoolers in their most recent effort to stifle educational freedom in Illinois.

TAGS: homeschool

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/20/2025

Illinoisans pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation at more than $0.84 per gallon. Only California charges its drivers more.

TAGS: gas tax

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...

Ohio

Illinois’ social mobility is worst in Midwest

Chicago metro area is 4th-hottest tech hub

Lawmaker gifts this holiday season? Illinois has rules.

Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness

Illinois SNAP errors could cost taxpayers up to $700 million in penalties

Illinois forms businesses at one of lowest rates in Midwest

Gerrymandering: Madigan’s legacy of letting politicians choose their voters

‘Homeschool Act’ is about limiting school choice

Illinois gasoline taxes 2nd highest in nation

Illinois’ low social mobility: causes and cures

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

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