What power do Illinois, Chicago have to fix migrant crisis?

By Joe Tabor

11/06/2023

The increase in asylum seekers arriving in Chicago is stressing communities and exhausting resources. What exactly can states and local governments do?

Illinois politicians want extra $25M for Democratic National Convention security in Chicago

By Dylan Sharkey

05/03/2023

Illinois’ congressional Democrats asked for an additional $25 million to pay for security at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Host cities typically receive $50 million.

TAGS: DNC: Democratic National Convention

Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections

By Dylan Sharkey

02/10/2023

Illinois lawmakers are considering granting noncitizens the right to vote in school board elections if their children are in the school district. Registering to vote would come with a warning about possible risks under U.S. immigration law.

Illinois’ Census revisions, explained

By Bryce Hill

05/20/2022

Some Illinois politicians are using an estimate to revise the Census count and claim Illinois doesn't have a problem with its residents moving away. A closer look shows they are wrong, and the danger of denial.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, outmigration, population, U.S. Census Bureau

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

By Mailee Smith, Jon Josko

12/22/2021

Government unions in Illinois have tremendous power. Most are allowed to go on strike and can bargain over virtually anything.1 It creates an uneven playing field, with unions able to demand costly provisions in their contracts and threaten to strike – denying Illinoisans needed services – to get what they want.2 Until recently, the potential...

Democrats pass gerrymandered congressional map No. 4

By Joe Tabor

10/29/2021

Illinois Democrats finally passed the fourth draft of their congressional district map after earlier versions prompted criticism from the Hispanic community and even fellow Democrats. A university gave several versions an “F.”

TAGS: congress, corruption, Democrats, elections, fair maps, gerrymandering, ILGA: Illinois General Assembly, Illinois, illinois House, JB Pritzker, legislative, maps

Pritzker seeks credit upgrades despite growing pension debt, budget deficits

By Adam Schuster

08/17/2021

Pension debt is a record $144.2 billion while Illinois’ short-term debt is on track to reach $22 billion in three years, exceeding the record $16.7 billion hit during the budget impasse.

TAGS: credit rating, debt, JB Pritzker, pensions

Illinois infrastructure ranks high, but state finances pose big threat

By Noah Shaar

07/21/2021

With an abundance of freight lines and roadways, along with a reliable power grid, Illinois placed No. 1 in the U.S. for infrastructure. But state finances are a threat, and political pork needs to give way to projects that move the most people and goods.

TAGS: Illinois, infrastructure, spending

Illinoisans pay 10th highest lifetime taxes in U.S.

By Patrick Andriesen

06/09/2021

Illinoisans will pay nearly one-third more in taxes during their lives than the average American. They will pay almost double what Indiana and Kentucky residents will pay.

TAGS: Illinois, taxes

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

By Adam Schuster

05/27/2021

Pritzker borrowed during the pandemic rather than making responsible budget decisions. So Illinois’ federal relief must repay debt rather than helping businesses recover like other states.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, JB Pritzker

United States Congress

What power do Illinois, Chicago have to fix migrant crisis?

Illinois politicians want extra $25M for Democratic National Convention security in Chicago

Illinois Senate Bill would allow noncitizen parents, guardians to vote in school board elections

Illinois’ Census revisions, explained

Unions flood politicians with cash: How it buys clout in Illinois General Assembly

Democrats pass gerrymandered congressional map No. 4

Pritzker seeks credit upgrades despite growing pension debt, budget deficits

Illinois infrastructure ranks high, but state finances pose big threat

Illinoisans pay 10th highest lifetime taxes in U.S.

Federal COVID-19 relief going to Illinois debt rather than business relief

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