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. 42: Make your vote count with Jim Long Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Voting is the most important action a citizen can take to ensure his or her voice is heard in government. Increased voter turnout is good for our communities - locally and statewide. Jim Long joins the Policy Shop to explain a new initiative that will increase voter turnout. He also breaks downs common myths and misconceptions about voting by mail. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 41: Stay & Fight for Illinois with Matt Paprocki Jun 14, 2022

Show notes

Illinois has seen hundreds of thousands of residents move away in recent years. Maybe you’ve even wondered whether you should move, too. But nothing is permanent, and Illinois’ people problem is something we can fix. Matt Paprocki joins the Policy Shop to talk about how to turn the tide on Illinois’ challenges and who he’s talking to to fix the state’s problems. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 40: What happened after unions locked students out of schools? with Amy Korte Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

New numbers on public school enrollment show the more school districts kept students from the classroom and in-person learning, the more those schools saw enrollment decline. Amy Korte joins the Policy Shop to walk through what the numbers show about Illinois and talk about what’s next for public policy battles that affect education. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 39: The truth about Illinois' population with Bryce Hill Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

What's the deal with Illinois' population? Are we gaining residents like Gov. Pritzker has recently said or are we losing residents, as has been reported for seven straight years? Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to break down the Census Bureau releases and share the truth about Illinois' population story. Learn more by subscribing to the Policy Shop newsletter at illin.is/newsletter.

Ep. 38: The hidden tax: Why inflation is (still) soaring with Bryce Hill May 23, 2022

Show notes

Inflation is hitting record highs across the nation and higher prices are affecting everyone, everywhere in the country. In Illinois, we face unique challenges, such as multiple layers of taxation that already makes gas costlier than neighboring states. The result of a more expensive cost of living is that many Illinoisans have essentially experienced a pay cut. Bryce explains what Illinoisans need to know about rising prices and what to do about it.

Ep. 37: Love thy neighbor's taxes with Adam Schuster May 17, 2022

Show notes

Other states across the country, including many of Illinois' neighbors, have recently cut taxes, often permanently. But Illinois is going the opposite direction, hiking taxes on residents and businesses. Adam Schuster explains why how the state is stuck. Subscribe to the Policy Shop newsletter to learn more at: illin.is/newsletter

Ep. 36: Illinois' most competitive election ever with Adam Schuster May 10, 2022

Show notes

Voters in Illinois may have same-day voter registration and vote-by-mail options, but a form of voter suppression still plagues the state: roughly half of Illinoisans have no choice when it comes to who will represent them in the Statehouse. That's set to change in 2022 with the most competitive election in 24 years. Adam Schuster joins the Policy Shop to talk about why ballot choice is so important to democracy.

Ep 35: Why is tuition going up at Illinois universities? with Adam Schuster May 03, 2022

Show notes

Tuition at Illinois public universities has skyrocketed over the past 15 years, making college unaffordable for many families. Adam Schuster explains what’s causing this rise and what it means for future students.

Ep. 34: So sue me: Amendment 1 lawsuit with Mailee Smith Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

The most important and alarming issue on the Nov. 8 general election ballot is the Workers Rights Amendment, also known as Amendment 1. Mailee Smith breaks down a major lawsuit related to the amendment and what voters need to know about the issue.

Ep. 33: Regressive and worsening: The Chicago speed camera story with Adam Schuster Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

In 2021, Chicago issued more automatic speeding tickets than there were residents of the city. Why? The city's reliance on nickel-and-dime revenue is pushing bad policy choices that unfairly burden low-income residents. Adam Schuster talks Chicago speed cameras and why these fines are so regressive in nature.

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