Lawmaker wants education money for state, but not for students

By Lilly Rossi

03/11/2026

Sen. Graciela Guzman has introduced contradictory bills. One calls for more state funding, while the other would block donated federal money for students.

TAGS: Graciela Guzman, IFT: Illinois Federation of Teachers

Bill could benefit millions of Illinois students

By Lilly Rossi

03/06/2026

Illinois students would be eligible for money from donors to access support under the Educational Choice for Children Act.

Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly

By Ravi Mishra, Lauren Zuar

02/12/2025

After years of splurging with revenue boosted by temporary federal aid, future deficits over $5 billion await the Illinois state budget. It’s time Illinois state leaders learn from past mistakes and manage other people’s money responsibly.

Red-light cameras take another $500M from Illinois drivers in 5 years

By Patrick Andriesen

05/09/2024

Local governments generated $500 million from red-light camera tickets since 2019, with Chicago alone collecting $223.8 million. Total since 2008: $1.56 billion.

TAGS: red light cameras

Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships mostly go to Black, Hispanic students

By Mailee Smith

10/23/2023

Low-income students from across Illinois receive Invest in Kids scholarships, with the majority going to Black and Hispanic students.

TAGS: Invest in Kids

Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax

By Dylan Sharkey

07/17/2023

Illinois is on pace for four new casinos in 2023, but the state’s tax payout from video gambling in local bars and restaurants remains a much bigger win.

TAGS: gambling

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

By Hannah Schmid

06/07/2023

The graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates in Chicago were below the statewide average in 2022. Reading and math SAT scores were also below the Illinois average. Other large districts in Cook and the collar counties performed better.

TAGS: CPS: Chicago Public Schools, CTU: Chicago Teachers Union

SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017

By Hannah Schmid

03/08/2023

SAT scores are dropping for high school students in Illinois and Chicago. Here’s how Illinois’ 20 largest school districts compared to the state average in reading and math.

TAGS: ISBE: Illinois State Board of Education

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

By Bryce Hill

02/14/2023

After years of enhanced revenue from federal aid, a return to the basic principles of budgeting can put Illinois on the path to long-term financial stability

How Illinois schools are using $7.9B in COVID-19 aid

By Justin Carlson

02/09/2022

Illinois has already distributed billions in federal COVID-19 relief funds for education to school districts. The pandemic windfall should be used to help lagging students, not create programs requiring new taxes.

TAGS: COVID-19, education spending, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, Illinois

Waukegan

Lawmaker wants education money for state, but not for students

Bill could benefit millions of Illinois students

Illinois Forward 2026: How the state can spend responsibly

Red-light cameras take another $500M from Illinois drivers in 5 years

Invest in Kids tax credit scholarships mostly go to Black, Hispanic students

Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax

Chicago students score lower, fewer graduate, fewer go to college

SAT scores in decline across Illinois, Chicago since 2017

Illinois Forward 2024: A sustainable state budget plan

How Illinois schools are using $7.9B in COVID-19 aid

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