Chicago schools property taxes up 62% in 15 years
Chicago schools property taxes up 62% in 15 years
The median Chicago residence paid $2,059 in property taxes just to support Chicago Public Schools in 2024, 62% more than they paid 15 years ago. More than half of a Chicago homeowners’ property tax bill now goes to CPS.
By Patrick Andriesen
Illinois House helping health care shortage by easing volunteer requirements
Illinois House helping health care shortage by easing volunteer requirements
A new bill would remove an unnecessary rule forcing health care volunteers to get additional licensing. House Bill 1270, sponsored by state Rep. William E. Hauter, R-Morton, and state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Oakbrook Terrace, addresses medical worker shortages.
By Lauren Zuar
‘Homeschool Act’ is about limiting school choice
‘Homeschool Act’ is about limiting school choice
Teachers unions have given millions to the state lawmakers targeting homeschoolers in their most recent effort to stifle educational freedom in Illinois.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Teachers Union contract will create nearly $1B fiscal cliff for schools
Chicago Teachers Union contract will create nearly $1B fiscal cliff for schools
Chicago Public Schools was already projecting annual budget deficits in excess of $500 million in coming years. The new Chicago Teachers Union contract costs will grow the deficit to nearly $1 billion
By Bryce Hill
105 Illinois towns pass grocery taxes. Did yours?
105 Illinois towns pass grocery taxes. Did yours?
Many Illinois towns are rushing to extend the 1% grocery tax. See below if your town is one of them. The statewide tax ends in 2026, but local governments can choose to retain it without asking their residents for permission.
By Dylan Sharkey
Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it
Pritzker touts economic growth while proposed budget risks it
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget proposal slashes general funds for economic development while relying on federal dollars to mask the cuts. This move raises doubts about the governor’s fiscal priorities.
By FJ Hilgart
How Chicago Teachers Union election impacts those well past city limits
How Chicago Teachers Union election impacts those well past city limits
The Chicago Teachers Union election has two groups competing to lead one of the most militant unions in the nation. CTU has a hand in federal, state and local politics.
By Dylan Sharkey
Poll: Taxes No. 1 issue for over half of Illinois voters, nearly half would move
Poll: Taxes No. 1 issue for over half of Illinois voters, nearly half would move
More than half of Illinois voters said high taxes were the No. 1 concern for the state, according to an Illinois Policy Institute poll. Of those polled, nearly half said they would also move out of the state if given the chance.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago’s pension debt being fueled by heavy, growing interest
Chicago’s pension debt being fueled by heavy, growing interest
With $18.5 billion of the city’s $52.4 billion shortfall driven by interest on pension debt, it’s clear Illinois’ largest city needs the state to pass constitutional pension reform.
By LyLena Estabine
Chicago Teachers Union pushes $7.3B in taxes on Illinoisans
Chicago Teachers Union pushes $7.3B in taxes on Illinoisans
The Chicago Teachers Union and its partners are pushing nine new or higher taxes that could end up costing Illinoisans $7.3 billion more starting July 1. Their scheme to fill a proposed state budget deficit is likely to backfire and shrink the tax base.
By Patrick Andriesen
Chicago’s housing red tape remains tangled 1 year since mayor’s pledge
Chicago’s housing red tape remains tangled 1 year since mayor’s pledge
It's been a year since Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson released his ‘Cut the Tape’ report to boost affordable housing and economic growth. Little of the red tape has been removed.
By LyLena Estabine
Testimony: Illinois teachers need ‘science of reading’ training to fix illiteracy
Testimony: Illinois teachers need ‘science of reading’ training to fix illiteracy
Illinois students will struggle throughout their educations when 7 in 10 third-graders cannot read at grade level. Illinois Policy supports and submitted testimony in favor of a bill to train Illinois teachers in ‘science of reading’ methods to boost early-grade literacy.
By Mailee Smith
Chicago Public Schools hits taxpayers twice with pension pickups
Chicago Public Schools hits taxpayers twice with pension pickups
Chicago Public Schools teachers hired before 2017 only pay 2% of the required employee contribution for their pensions. The other 7% is picked up by the district, costing $135 million in 2025.
By LyLena Estabine