Government
Illinois population dropping sharply
The state of Illinois is losing people faster than any other state in the Midwest.
Illinois Policy Institute
Recent News About Illinois Policy Institute
Government
Illinois faces continued economic downturn, think tank reports
Illinois lawmakers are considering a multibillion-dollar tax hike that the Illinois Policy Institute says may worsen the state’s already weakened economy.
Government
Sources say Nybo supports budget deal
State Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst) is expected to vote in favor of a new budget deal for the state, which has been dubbed the “grand bargain.”
Government
Oberweis possibly leaning toward 'yes' on 'grand bargain'
The "grand bargain" budget compromise is inching closer to a vote in the state senate.
Government
Illinois residents slammed by sales taxes
Illinois residents are being slammed by ever-rising taxes, from a tax on soda pop in Cook County to a citywide tax increase of 0.5 percent in Danville.
Government
Madigan camp downplays severity of business exodus from state
Illinois lost more residents in a recent one-year period than any other state, the U.S. Census said in a report this week.
Government
Illinois may be heading for recession, think tank reports
Illinois lawmakers are considering a multibillion-dollar tax hike that the Illinois Policy Institute says may worsen the state’s already weakened economy.
Government
Senate's proposed tax increase likely to encourage more out-migration
As state income taxes go up, Illinois’ population continues to drop -- dramatically.
Government
High property taxes a multilayered problem in Illinois
Property owners in Illinois are the hardest hit in the nation when it comes to taxes. And the property tax burden coupled with falling home values is crippling homeowners and leading many Illinois families to deduce that buying a home in Illinois just isn’t worth it.
Government
Think tank, state reps propose Budget Solutions 2018 plan to close $7.1 billion deficit
The Illinois Policy Institute is proposing a budget conservative group leaders contend would put an end to the state’s nearly two-year impasse, closing a $7.1 billion deficit without adding any new taxes.
Government
Protests greet Madigan's controversial re-election as House speaker
In one of the first votes by the newly sworn-in Illinois House, long-serving House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) was re-elected to a 17th term in that seat.
Government
Ives: Economic outcome of reforms in proposed budget plan 'not going to move the needle one bit'
Illinois Senate leaders are reportedly still negotiating the proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent.
Government
Critics point out hypocrisy in Madigan attack on Rauner regarding wealth and power
There's a certain hypocrisy to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) accusing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of holding the budget process hostage for his wealthy friends and big business in general, a radio talk show's co-hosts said recently.
Government
Frustrated Illinois manufacturer flees to Indiana's 'affordable shore' next door
The president of a company that moved from Illinois to Indiana said recently on a Chicago radio talk show that he looks back on Illinois and hopes one day the state will get its act together.
Government
Analysis: Illinois has nation's steepest 'wealth flight' income differential
After Illinois’ personal income tax was hiked just 2 points — from 3 to 5 percent — in early 2011, a record number of residents packed their bags, revealing what the Illinois Policy Institute termed “wealth flight.”