The proof is in the GDP: Illinois needs to grow its tax base, not its tax rate

By Craig Lesner

04/19/2016

Illinois’ economy lagged the national average between 2003 and 2014. Had Illinois’ gross domestic product grown at the same pace as the national average since 2003, Illinois workers would have generated an additional $64.6 billion in products and services in 2014.

TAGS: GDP: gross domestic product

Illinois will soon overtake New Jersey as the state with the highest property taxes

By Austin Berg

04/14/2016

Illinois' 859 local school districts consume nearly two-thirds of the $27 billion in local property taxes collected across the state each year.

TAGS: consolidation, property taxes

Record sealing for Illinois ex-offenders offers a better shot at employment, second chance

By Bryant Jackson-Green

04/14/2016

An effective record-sealing policy can help nonviolent offenders find employment and stay away from crime.

TAGS: record sealing

How business-liability reform can help encourage ex-offender employment

By Bryant Jackson-Green

04/07/2016

With the right liability reforms, Illinois can protect businesses and make them more likely to give ex-offenders a chance at employment.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, jobs

The debt never paid: Re-entry reforms for Illinois

By Bryant Jackson-Green

03/31/2016

How to reform a broken criminal-justice system that prevents ex-offenders from achieving self-sufficiency

Updating felony theft laws can help Illinois save money without harming public safety

By Bryant Jackson-Green

03/01/2016

A new study by The Pew Charitable Trusts shows states that adjusted their felony theft laws have not seen an increase in crime. To save on corrections costs, Illinois should update its theft thresholds, too.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, felony theft

Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2016 budget address

By illinoispolicy

02/17/2016

Full transcript of Governor Bruce Rauner’s 2016 budget address, as prepared for delivery to the General Assembly on Feb. 17, 2016.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner

Full text: Gov. Rauner’s 2016 State of the State address

By illinoispolicy

01/27/2016

Transcript, provided by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office, of his 2016 State of the State address, as prepared for delivery, to the General Assembly on January 27, 2016.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, State of the State

Landmark state report lights path toward lowering Illinois property taxes

By Austin Berg

01/05/2016

Absurdly high property taxes demand bold reforms from Illinois lawmakers. New recommendations from a state task force show exactly what kind.

TAGS: local government, property taxes, taxes

Illinois lost more population than any other state last year

By Mark Fitton

12/23/2015

Of the 50 states, Illinois was the top population loser.

TAGS: outmigration

Texas

The proof is in the GDP: Illinois needs to grow its tax base, not its tax rate

Illinois will soon overtake New Jersey as the state with the highest property taxes

Record sealing for Illinois ex-offenders offers a better shot at employment, second chance

How business-liability reform can help encourage ex-offender employment

The debt never paid: Re-entry reforms for Illinois

Updating felony theft laws can help Illinois save money without harming public safety

Full text: Gov. Bruce Rauner’s 2016 budget address

Full text: Gov. Rauner’s 2016 State of the State address

Landmark state report lights path toward lowering Illinois property taxes

Illinois lost more population than any other state last year

What is the Education Freedom Tax Credit and how can it benefit 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