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. 32: End of session roundup w/ Adam Schuster Apr 13, 2022

Show notes

Illinois lawmakers pulled an all nighter to adjourn spring legislative session and pass a $46.5 billion budget by 6 a.m. on April 9. What did lawmakers accomplish? Adam Schuster joins the Policy Shop to talk through the line items. From stimulus checks for residents to mandatory signs touting gas tax relief, Illinois saw an election year budget that kicks the can on solving Illinois' problems until after residents cast their vote.

Ep. 31: The hot housing market w/ Oprhe Divounguy Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

Between historically low interest rates and the pandemic-fueled need for more space, the U.S. housing market has been on fire. Orphe Divounguy joins the Policy Shop to provide an in-depth look at Illinois' real estate market and how it compares with the rest of the nation.

Ep. 30: Pain in the gas w/ Adam Schuster Mar 30, 2022

Show notes

Gas prices are skyrocketing across the country. And while the pain is felt nationwide, gas prices are always worse for Illinoisans, where drivers pay the second-highest gas taxes in the nation. Adam Schuster joins the Policy Shop to breaks down the various layers of taxes that drive pain at the pump in Illinois.

Ep. 29: Mike Madigan's downfall and how to fix Illinois corruption with Austin Berg Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan was the longest serving House Speaker in the nation and at one time the most powerful politician in Illinois. In March, he waas indicted on federal racketeering charges. Fixing Illinois' longstanding history corrupution goes passed rooting out one man. Austin Berg joins the Policy Shop to explain how Madigan got and kept his power and how illinois moves forward to fix corruption forever.

Ep. 28: Illinois' economy 2 years into COVID-19 with Bryce Hill Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

March 12 marked two years since Gov. J.B. Pritzker imposed some of the nation’s strictest COVID-19 mandates, creating uneven rules that favored large over small businesses. Many Illinois business owners had to close shop permanently, while others are finding ways to reinvent their business. How is the Illinois jobs recovery now two years into the pandemic? Bryce Hill explains more on the Policy Shop.

Ep. 27: Failure to launch: Small business job creators struggle to grow in Illinois w/ Bryce Hill Mar 08, 2022

Show notes

Lots of businesses tried to get started during 2021 in Illinois, but the ones that create jobs had a tough time launching. That’s why Illinois unemployment remains high and salaries depressed during a national labor shortage. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop to explain.

Ep. 26: How to avoid a small business tax hike Mar 01, 2022

Show notes

The number one fiscal priority for Illinois lawmakers is something most aren’t talking about: refilling the trust fund for unemployment insurance. Otherwise, small businesses face another tax hike after a grueling two years in which many businesses struggled and failed. The best way to prevent a large tax hike on businesses is to use what is left of the American Rescue Fund Act money. Adam Schuster explains more on the Policy Shop.

Ep. 25: 700 days under Pritzker’s emergency powers Feb 23, 2022

Show notes

Guest: Mailee Smith

Ep. 24: Property tax pain gets worse in Chicago with Orphe Divounguy Feb 16, 2022

Show notes

Guest: Orphe Divounguy

Ep. 23: An economist’s perspective: How’s Illinois’ economy really doing? Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Guest: Dr. Orphe Divounguy