Illinois lawmakers claim the state saved nearly $500 million in fiscal year 2026, but most “savings” are either from federal decisions or shifting costs, not serious fiscal restraint.

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

By Ravi Mishra, Tom Demmer

02/12/2026

Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

10/13/2025

Chicago’s $1.15 billion projected budget gap is the latest in a decades-long string of structural deficits. Making Chicago’s high taxes worse is not the solution.

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...

Illinois’ opaque budget process drives mismanagement, harms taxpayers

By Lauren Zuar

05/23/2025

Despite Illinois law setting clear budget rules, lawmakers routinely fast-track last-minute, backroom deals, keeping voters and other legislators in the dark.

Taxpayers’ pay over 2X rate Illinois workers pay for health insurance

By FJ Hilgart

04/16/2025

A current union-negotiated contract with Illinois state government gives out-of-the-norm health benefits to government workers at very low cost. State workers’ share is far less than what private-sector taxpayers must spend for health coverage.

TAGS: AFSCME: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

United States Office of Management and Budget

Pritzker’s record budget proposal likely to grow before it’s enacted

Pritzker proposes record-setting $56 billion budget

Illinois’ increased revenue because of federal economy, not state lawmakers

Illinois at risk of losing $700M in SNAP funding from high error rate

Illinois “spending cuts” aren’t from good behavior

Illinois Forward 2027: How to fix Illinois’ state finances

Chicago Forward 2026: A pro-growth plan to end city budget deficits

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Illinois’ opaque budget process drives mismanagement, harms taxpayers

Taxpayers’ pay over 2X rate Illinois workers pay for health insurance

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