Government

Illinois Policy Podcast

Chicago and Illinois are at a crossroads.

Taxes are rising, families are leaving, schools are failing, and public safety is on the line.

The Illinois Policy Podcast goes beyond the headlines to bring you candid conversations with leaders, thinkers, and reformers who know what’s really happening in our state — and what it will take to change course.

Each episode delivers:

-Honest discussions about Chicago and Illinois politics

-Deep dives into education, crime, taxes, and budgets

-Stories from people directly impacted by policy decisions

-Solutions that can restore opportunity and prosperity

Hosted by the Illinois Policy Institute, this podcast is for anyone who loves Chicago and Illinois but knows our state deserves better.

🔔 Subscribe now for real talk about Illinois’ future.

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 52: How to find the hidden tax hike on your November ballot Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

At the very top of the ballot Nov. 8 is a proposed amendment to be added to the Illinois Constitution. Touted by proponents as a way of helping workers, the truth is the amendment would hike taxes on all Illinoisans and cement Illinois' reputation as an un-friendly place to do business. Mailee Smith breaks down everything voters need to know on this episode of the Policy Shop.

Ep. 51: What's holding back Illinois jobs recovery? Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

Most of the nation has recovered from the pandemic economic downturn, but Illinois hasn’t: the state is still missing nearly 89,000 jobs compared to February 2020. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to talk about what’s affecting Illinois’ job market and hindering its labor force.

Ep. 50: Why so many parents are leaving Chicago Public Schools Aug 23, 2022

Show notes

Chicago Public Schools students and families returned for the 2022-23 school year. But with record low enrollment, one-third of those schools will be half-empty. Mailee Smith joins the Policy Shop to share why militant tactics from the Chicago Teachers Union have led to higher CPS costs, lower enrollment and lower test scores.

Ep. 49: More union money floods Illinois politics Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

Illinois unions members give hundreds of dollars a year to union dues. But most of that money is spent on politics - not representing workers' interests or protecting them. Mailee Smith follows the money. She joins the Policy Shop to show where government union money goes and why Amendment 1 would harm all Illinoisans.

Ep. 48: The housing market goes bust Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

After a few years of homes flying off the market, signs are indicating the market is starting to cool. Is a housing bubble going to burst? Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to discuss what’s going on in Illinois' housing world, how prices fare today and what to expect next.

Ep. 47: Are we in a recession? Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

Recession is the buzzword of the week as the economy begins to cool. So, are we in a recession or no? And what does that mean for Illinois? Director of Fiscal and Economic Research Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to talk about the state and national economic picture. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 46: Pritzker for president? w/ Austin Berg Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

Speculation is brewing that Gov. Pritzker is testing the waters for a presidential run. What would a Pritzker presidency look like? Let his Illinois record serve as a guide. Austin Berg joins the Policy Shop to talk through Pritzker’s failures on budget, tax and economic policy. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 45: The truth about Pritzker and Lightfoot's economic record with Bryce Hill Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot are out on national and international tours, respectfully, touting their recent economic wins. But Illinoisans left at home face a dire jobs market: 1 in 6 jobs lost during COVID are still missing in Chicago and Illinois. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to discuss the state’s economy and what it means for large and small businesses alike.

Ep. 44: How Amendment 1 would raise your property taxes with Austin Berg Jul 06, 2022

Show notes

Voters will decide the fate of Amendment 1 on Nov. 8; the first time Illinoisans have an opportunity to vote against rising property taxes. Austin Berg joins the Policy Shop to explain why Amendment 1 would cause homeowners to experience a $2,000 property tax hike. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 43: Why 3 major companies just fled Illinois with Matt Paprocki Jun 28, 2022

Show notes

It was a bad month for big businesses in Illinois as Boeing, Caterpillar and Citadel announced they're moving their headquarters out of Chicago. Illinois Policy Institute President Matt Paprocki joins the Policy Shop to discuss what these businesses' departures mean for the state. And how state leaders can turn things around. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

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