IL: Budget Policy & Priorities
Report touts Illinois' support for public schools
A report released this month by the Network for Public Education ranked Illinois an "A" grade for its overall support of public schools. One …
Congressional budget impasse threatens IL community health centers
Community health centers in Illinois are stuck in financial limbo as Congress contends with another potential government shutdown. More than forty …
Report grades IL tobacco prevention efforts
Illinois' efforts are all over the map in a new report on what state and federal officials are, or could be, doing to discourage tobacco use…
A lack of attorneys creates 'legal deserts' in rural IL counties
Labor shortages exist across the country in the medical and teaching professions but not as much is said about the lack of attorneys in some states…
Report: Illinois' child well-being varies widely by race
A new report looks at children's well-being in every state and finds in Illinois, the outcomes vary greatly depending on race. In its Race for …
IL advocacy group insists state’s tax system hurts children
A new analysis of state tax systems finds the Illinois tax structure is unfair to low- and middle-income households, especially those with children…
Farm Bill delays could affect food benefits for many Americans
The once-every-five-year Farm Bill will likely be extended to six years this time around, as Congress seems months away from finding a path forward…
Leaders advocate for increased funding, services for Black community colleges
Historical and predominantly Black community colleges often get overlooked when it comes to funding for higher education. However, leaders nationwide …
More work needed on juvenile justice reform
Advocates for juvenile justice reform recently gathered in Chicago to find ways to keep young people out of the criminal justice system. Herschella …
Bills Filed to Phase Out Tipped Wages in Illinois Restaurants
A pair of Illinois state lawmakers is introducing legislation to phase out what is known as the "subminimum wage" for tipped workers in the restaurant…
Economists: High Tax Burden Driving IL Families, Businesses Out of State
Studies show the tax burden on people and businesses in Illinois - and particularly those in Chicago - is among the highest in the country. …
Report: EVs Could Impact Future Highway-Maintenance Funding
Most experts agree that putting more electric vehicles on the road is a positive step toward fighting climate change, but a new report warns that …