Policy Shop

Despite a record of often kicking the can down the road while mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel – while on his way out the door – has come out for pension reform. J.B. Pritzker and legislative Democrats don't agree, though. Illinois Policy Director of Budget and Tax Research Adam Schuster breaks down the dynamics of all of this, and explains the way forward on pension reform.

It's veto session in Springfield, which this year means a whole bunch of lame-duck lawmakers and a lame-duck governor. What bills should taxpayers keep an eye on? Could Springfield politicians really pass another tax hike right around the holidays? All this and more with Mindy Ruckman, Illinois Policy government affairs legislative analyst.

Illinois Policy experts break down what the Nov. 6 election results mean for Illinois moving forward. Who will call the shots between Madigan and Pritzker? What will Democrats' first orders of business be with supermajority control? What opportunities for free-market policy are ahead? All this analysis and more in the wake of this year's midterms.

Taxpayers are hearing a lot about a progressive income tax in this year's election season, but what does it really mean for everyday Illinoisans? Illinois Policy Director of Budget and Tax Research Adam Schuster goes through all the details.

Most everyone strives to one day own a home, but that's a far less attainable goal in Illinois than it is in other states. Why, and what can be done to change that? Illinois Policy Research Analyst Bryce Hill breaks down the difficulties of homeownership in the Land of Lincoln, and outlines the solutions to turn it around.

Illinois homeowners are saddled with some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Why? Some of the highest pension costs in the nation. Illinois Policy Institute Chief Economist Orphe Divounguy breaks down the numbers.

Chicago has a whopping 143 tax increment financing, or TIF, districts. What does that mean for you as a resident or visitor to the city? Quite a bit – as a taxpayer, as a family in Chicago Public Schools or as someone enjoying Chicago tourism. Chris Lentino, Illinois Policy director of outreach, explains in detail how TIF districts in Chicago and across the state are in desperate need of reform.

Illinoisans often feel like their votes don't matter because Mike Madigan will always get his way. But to understand how to push back against the Madigan machine, taxpayers first need to understand how it was built and how it functions. Illinois Policy Director of Content Strategy Austin Berg walks through the history that led to Madigan's rise to power, as well as the current setup where his House rules and political funds control much of what happens in Springfield.

Liberty Justice Center Director of Litigation Jacob Huebert walks through what it was like to be at the Supreme Court the day of the landmark Janus vs. AFSCME decision, realizing that he and plaintiff Mark Janus restored First Amendment rights for workers across the country. Huebert also debunks common misconceptions about the case and what it means moving forward.

Illinois lawmakers and the governor patted themselves on the back for reaching a budget deal this year. But the deal falls far short of realistic revenue estimates. How does Springfield keep getting away with passing unbalanced budgets, when the constitution mandates the budget be balanced? Adam Schuster, the Illinois Policy Institute's director of budget and tax research, explains.