Illinois state lawmakers boost their own pay

By Lilly Rossi

01/19/2026

Taxpayers usually get told what raise they will receive. They also get told what raises they will give: to state lawmakers, and by those same lawmakers.

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

By LyLena Estabine

01/13/2026

Causes, costs, how to set the state free

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

By Josh Bandoch, LyLena Estabine

10/01/2025

As housing prices continue to soar out of reach for more Americans, an impulse from policy makers across the country has been to attempt to mandate “affordable” prices through legislation. One common idea is rent control, which limits how much landlords can increase rents on residents. A related one is inclusionary zoning, which forces developers...

Illinois spent more on transportation, saw more roads crumble

By Ravi Mishra

04/22/2025

Illinois’ inefficient spending on its transportation needs led the state to spend more as its roads got worse. But there is a solution if the state can minimize politics in the decision process and prioritize public need.

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.

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.

Illinoisans pay 2nd-highest local government fines, fees in nation

By Dylan Sharkey

02/08/2023

Illinoisans gave up $50 on average to fines and fees last year. That’s the second-most in the nation and almost double the U.S. average.

TAGS: fees, local government

Report: Illinois likely to see high public pension debt go higher

By Dylan Sharkey

07/20/2022

Forecasts predict Illinois public pension debt will grow despite the funds having one of their best investment years ever in 2021.

TAGS: debt, Illinois, pensions

Illinois pension debt is little less worse, but still worst in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen

12/17/2021

Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension debt shrank slightly after investments more than tripled predictions, thanks partly to COVID-19 stimulus. Experts caution 1 year cannot undo decades of overpromising and underfunding.

TAGS: debt, Illinois, pensions

Illinois drivers pay $1,119 extra a year thanks to bad roads, bridges

By Patrick Andriesen

11/24/2021

Illinois ranked 14th worst in the nation for road infrastructure with 20% of state roadways non-acceptable and 12% of bridges in poor condition by federal standards. It was near last in spending on repairs.

TAGS: government spending, Illinois, roads

Reason Foundation

Illinois state lawmakers boost their own pay

4 ways to break out of Illinois’ pension trap

Mandating unaffordability: How Chicago’s housing affordability requirements decrease supply and increase costs

Illinois spent more on transportation, saw more roads crumble

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

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

Illinoisans pay 2nd-highest local government fines, fees in nation

Report: Illinois likely to see high public pension debt go higher

Illinois pension debt is little less worse, but still worst in U.S.

Illinois drivers pay $1,119 extra a year thanks to bad roads, bridges

FAQ: How the federal scholarship program would help Illinois students

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