5 new laws starting on or after July 1

By Lilly Rossi

06/12/2026

A list of laws Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed over a year ago take effect this year. Here’s what you need to know.

TAGS: ILGA: Illinois General Assembly

Vallas: Chicago should sue to overturn the parking meter deal

By Paul Vallas

05/25/2026

The city should aim to scrap or restructure the 2008 contract by arguing that it’s “manifestly against public policy.”

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

By LyLena Estabine

04/01/2026

By freezing property values in a specific area, TIF districts artificially manipulate who pays the levy, leading to effective property tax hikes.

TAGS: TIF: Tax Increment Financing

Testimony: Lawmakers can help workers sustain careers through an evolving economy 

By Josh Bandoch

03/27/2026

House Bill 4882 was supported with written testimony by Josh Bandoch, head of policy at Illinois Policy.

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...

Public policy

5 new laws starting on or after July 1

Vallas: Chicago should sue to overturn the parking meter deal

Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion

Testimony: Lawmakers can help workers sustain careers through an evolving economy

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Who Lives Below the Poverty Line in Illinois? Family Structure and Education Mark the Highest Risk

Report Archive

Take advantage of the various ways to vote

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students