Illinois Policy Institute
Recent News About Illinois Policy Institute View More
-
Houston projected to surpass Chicago as third largest US city by 2035
Illinois has experienced a significant population decrease, with over 75% of its cities, towns, and villages losing residents in 2023. Chicago was the most affected city, shedding 8,202 inhabitants last year, as revealed by data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
-
Mayor Brandon Johnson's controversial first year: A review
CHICAGO (May 15, 2024) – One year into his tenure, Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration has been marked by controversy and unpopularity. According to new polling from the Illinois Policy Institute, Johnson holds a mere 27% favorability rating, making him the least popular incoming mayor in Chicago's history.
-
Illinois Policy Institute: Removal of candidate slating process will limit voter choice
The General Assembly in Illinois has recently passed Senate Bill 2412, a move that will have significant implications for the upcoming elections in the state. The bill, which is now awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature, aims to eliminate one of the processes for getting candidates on the ballot. This decision has raised concerns about potential limitations on voter choice on Election Day.According to an analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute, the removal of the candidate slating process could result in fewer contested races, ultimately diminishing voter choice at...
-
Chicago Speed Cameras Generate $102 Million in Revenue Despite Promises to Remove Them
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's pledge to remove automated speed cameras fell short as drivers were hit with $102 million in fees during 2023, a new analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute revealed. The substantial revenue, with over half coming from late fees, highlights the ongoing financial impact of these cameras on residents.Bryce Hill, the director of fiscal and economic research for the Illinois Policy Institute, expressed concerns about the city's reliance on these cameras, stating, "Chicago’s cameras have turned out to be a huge cash cow for the...
-
Chicagoans on the hook for far-reaching Chicago Teachers Union demands
CHICAGO (April 15, 2024) – The current Chicago Teachers Union contract is set to expire on June 30, 2024, and as details of the union's demands emerge, Chicagoans are bracing themselves for what could be a significant departure from traditional negotiations.Analysis from the Illinois Policy Institute has revealed that the Chicago Teachers Union's demands extend far beyond the usual scope of government union contracts, delving into areas such as housing, the environment, and healthcare, in addition to seeking substantial pay raises.Among the most contentious demands is...
-
Illinois Policy Institute Proposes Solutions to Poverty Crisis at Congressional Hearing
CHICAGO (April 9, 2024) – Matt Paprocki, president of the Illinois Policy Institute, emphasized the importance of work in combating poverty during a field hearing by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Work and Welfare. Paprocki highlighted the need for effective strategies to uplift impoverished individuals and facilitate their access to meaningful employment.Paprocki addressed the issue of poverty by advocating for specific solutions that could be implemented by Congress to make a significant impact. He stated, “Today’s poverty...
-
Congressional Subcommittee on Welfare Hosts Hearing in Chicago
The U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways and Means subcommittee on work and welfare is set to host a hearing at a Chicago homeless shelter on how work can lift individuals out of poverty. The event, titled "The Dignity of Work: Lifting Individuals Out of Poverty," will feature testimony from Matt Paprocki, president of the Illinois Policy Institute and founder of the Center for Poverty Solution.Paprocki will speak before U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., and Work & Welfare Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood, R-Ill. The hearing is scheduled...
-
Election results: Chicagoans reject Johnson’s real estate tax
Preliminary results from the Chicago Board of Elections have revealed that the “Bring Chicago Home” ballot referendum has been unsuccessful, with a vote of 54% to 46% against the proposal. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to increase the real estate transfer tax on properties valued over $1 million has faced rejection by the majority of voters.According to the Illinois Policy Institute, the proposed tax hike was deemed detrimental to Chicago's real estate market and could have had negative effects on entrepreneurs, business owners, and housing development. The...
-
Illinois Suffers Statewide Population Decline in 2023
Illinois faced a significant population decrease in 2023, with all eight metro areas and 87 out of 102 counties experiencing a decline, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Chicago alone contributed to half of the state's total decline, with over 71,000 residents leaving the metro area. The Illinois Policy Institute highlighted that the state lost a total of 32,826 residents in the same year.The largest population loss in the state was observed in Cook County, where 24,494 residents moved away, making it the most substantial decline. This trend was fueled by a...
-
Violent crime up 18%, arrests down 43% in Chicago over 10 years
A recent analysis from the Illinois Policy Institute revealed concerning trends in Chicago's crime landscape. The report highlighted a significant increase in violent crimes over the past decade coupled with a notable decrease in arrest rates.According to Hilary Gowins, senior vice president at the Illinois Policy Institute, the surge in violent crime in Chicago is alarming, with public safety continuing to be a top concern for residents. Gowins emphasized the importance of understanding the scope of the crime problem, especially as the number of violent crimes rises...
-
Illinois Policy Institute Files Ethics Complaints Over CTU Push to Pull Students Out of Class
The Illinois Policy Institute has filed ethics complaints following the Chicago Teachers Union's push to pull students out of class to vote for Mayor Brandon Johnson's real estate tax hike. Mailee Smith, senior director of labor policy and staff attorney at the Illinois Policy Institute, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “This is an unethical use of taxpayer resources and inappropriate indoctrination of high school students. Our team is exploring legal challenges. Mayor Brandon Johnson should denounce it in the strongest terms.”It has been revealed that the...
-
Illinois Policy Responds to Appellate Court Decision on Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax Hike
An Illinois appellate court has reinstated the voting on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s "Bring Chicago Home" tax hike, allowing Chicago voters to decide the fate of the real estate transfer tax increase. The decision overturns the lower court's ruling and paves the way for a crucial vote on the issue.According to Illinois Policy, the real estate tax proposed by Johnson could have significant negative impacts on the city's commercial real estate market, potentially affecting over 5,000 commercial properties in Chicago. The organization expressed concerns about the lack of a clear...
-
Over 5,000 Chicago Businesses Face Potential Tax Hike from Johnson’s ‘Mansion Tax'
Early voting has commenced in all 50 Chicago wards for the upcoming March 19 primary election, where residents will decide on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s contentious real estate tax hike proposal. The measure aims to increase the transfer tax on properties valued over $1.12 million, potentially impacting over 5,000 commercial properties in the city if approved.According to a new analysis from Illinois Policy, 5,142 businesses in Chicago could face higher taxes if sold, including various establishments such as supermarkets, motels, gas stations, theaters, and bowling...
-
AM 560 The Answer: ‘The Wall Street Journal calls out Gov. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats’
AM 560 The Answer radio station recently called out Gov. J.B. Pritzker for lavishing raises on public sector employees through their union American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31.
-
Former mayoral candidate Vallas warns: 'Right now, the city of Chicago is at a breaking point'
Former Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas has raised an alarm, proclaiming that the city of Chicago stands on the precipice of a breaking point.
-
GOP public safety bills face big challenge in legislature, but future of Chicago - entire state - may depend on them
House Republicans face a herculean task of moving a package of public safety bills recently introduced in a legislature where the Democrats, who late last year approved the controversial SAFE-T Act, have a super majority in both chambers.