Illinois Policy Podcast

Inside the Decline of Schools, Safety, and Finances in Chicago Sep 23, 2025

Chicago is facing record outmigration, failing schools, and rising taxes.

In this debut episode, Paul Vallas—former Chicago Public Schools CEO and 2023 mayoral candidate—joins us to break down why families are leaving Chicago, how the Chicago Teachers Union controls city policymaking, the real state of crime and safety, and how things could have been different.

Listen now and subscribe to the Illinois Policy Podcast for honest conversations about Illinois’ future.

00:00 – Chicago’s Crisis: Crime, Taxes, Schools 00:41 – Welcome to the Illinois Policy Podcast 01:07 – Introducing Guest: Paul Vallas 01:25 – What Could Have Been Different? 02:03 – Chicago’s Public Safety Problem 03:17 – Housing & Development Failures 04:03 – Springfield: Missed Opportunities 06:00 – Teachers Union’s Grip on Chicago 07:19 – CPS Staffing & Spending Issues 09:22 – Why Families Are Leaving Chicago 12:03 – How Schools Were Reformed in the Past 14:01 – Local Control and Magnet Schools 15:52 – Lowering Education Standards 18:22 – Attacks on Testing & Accountability 20:03 – Charter and School Choice Options 22:16 – Failing “Sustainable Community Schools” 24:19 – How Unions Block Real Options for Families 25:13 – Public Safety: The Reality vs. Rhetoric 27:18 – Schools, COVID, and the Crime Spike 28:39 – How Prosecutors Changed Crime Trends 29:39 – Domestic Violence on the Rise 30:39 – Why Crime is Underreported 33:30 – Chicago as a “Sanctuary City for Criminals” 35:09 – Police Staffing and Crime Correlation 37:14 – CTA Safety and Ridership Decline 39:11 – Chicago’s Future Forecast 41:07 – The Three Financial Crises Facing the City 42:51 – Who Will Lead Chicago Next? 44:23 – Cook County Politics & Preckwinkle’s Influence 45:46 – Closing Thoughts with Paul Vallas

These three things could fix Illinois in 2023 Jan 11, 2023

The new, 103rd Illinois General Assembly session starts today. What are the key issues incoming lawmakers should address? Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research at the Illinois Policy Institute, recommends three solutions Illinois legislators could pursue to solve long-term problems and grow opportunity in Illinois.

The Chicago Teachers Union's war on school choice Jan 03, 2023

The Chicago Teachers Union and other teachers' unions oppose Invest in Kids, a tax-credit scholarship program that allows underprivileged children to attend private schools of their choice. Why would teachers advocate against a program that helps low-income students? Mailee Smith, staff attorney and director of labor policy at Illinois Policy Institute, refutes opponents' false claims about the program and explains why the Illinois General Assembly should reinstitute Invest in Kids during its next session.

These new laws take effect in Illinois in 2023 Dec 20, 2022

The new year will bring new state laws, many of which passed before lawmakers and the public had time to review them. How will these complex laws change life in Illinois? Joe Tabor, director of policy research at Illinois Policy Institute, gives an overview of Illinois' new laws for 2023 from the controversial SAFE-T Act to a new constitutional amendment.

Why it's the perfect time for Illinois to embrace school choice Dec 14, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many Illinois parents to the concept and practice of school choice. What is school choice and why has it become such a politicized issue? Nathan Hoffman, director of state policy and legislative strategy for the American Federation for Children, joins us to discuss the benefits of school choice and why Illinois should extend Invest in Kids, a state tax-credit and school-choice scholarship program.

How small businesses led Illinois' recovery from covid Dec 07, 2022

Both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses led Illinois' job growth. What policies can the state adopt to further encourage small-business growth and promote economic vitality in Illinois? Bryce Hill, director of fiscal and economic research at the Illinois Policy Institute, shares his recommendations on today's episode

Why you should run for school board in Illinois Nov 29, 2022

The consolidated election will give voters a chance to elect their local school board members, who influence spending on property tax bills and make other important decisions regarding education. While the election isn’t until April 4, 2023, petitions to run for school board are due Dec. 19. Director of Labor Policy Mailee Smith explains why local elections are so important. She breaks down what to know if you want to get active in local school board races.

Election Day 101: Understanding the Illinois ballot Nov 08, 2022

Voting polls have opened for the Nov. 8 general election and Illinois residents can cast their in-person votes at locations statewide. What's at stake for Illinois? Bryce Hill explains what voters need to know about everything from Amendment 1 to the gubernatorial race to how many candidates are running for Statehouse office.

How the 'workers' rights amendment' hurts 93% of Illinois workers Nov 02, 2022

With only a few days left until Election Day, Illinois' government unions continue to tout Amendment 1, a proposed constitutional amendment at the top of the Nov. 8 ballot. Amendment 1's chief sponsor admitted the amendment cannot protect all Illinois workers -- so why are proponents still saying it can? Mailee Smith, director of labor policy at Illinois Policy Institute, explains why Amendment 1 is a "legal trick" that would hurt more workers than it would help if it passes.

Debunking the myths behind Illinois' "workers' rights amendment" Oct 26, 2022

Many misleading narratives surround Amendment 1, the proposed constitutional amendment at the top of the Nov. 8 ballot that proponents disingenuously call a "Workers Rights Amendment." Mailee Smith, director of labor policy at Illinois Policy Institute, identifies the top Amendment 1 myths that have spread during election season in this week's episode of The Policy Shop.

What is the legacy of the Chicago Teachers Union's 2019 strike? Oct 19, 2022

Three years after the Chicago Teachers Union went on its last strike, the CTU maintains that its job is to represent teachers. But is that really what CTU does? Director of Labor Policy Mailee Smith reviews how CTU leadership's top priorities do not include representing its adult members nor serving the children in their care.

The $2B small business tax hike on Illinoisans' ballots Oct 12, 2022

New research from the Illinois Policy Institute projects that commercial property taxes for Illinois businesses will grow to almost $2 billion by 2026. Amendment 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot would likely increase that amount even more. Illinois Policy Institute Vice President Austin Berg explains why Amendment 1 would make Illinois' notorious business climate even worse.

The truth about Illinois' economy Oct 04, 2022

Illinois gubernatorial candidates Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Darren Bailey will face off in their first debate on Thursday, Oct. 6. And the no. 1 issue voters care about right now? The economy. Illinois' economy isn't as rosy as Gov. Pritzker sells it to be. Bryce Hill explains how Illinois' economy is performing and what it means for voters.

Ep. 55: Yes, Amendment 1 will hike your taxes. Here's how. Sep 28, 2022

Illinoisans pay the second highest property taxes in the nation. If Amendment 1 passes, not only will that remain status quo, but it’s also expected for taxes to rise significantly. Find out how much your property taxes could go up if Amendment 1 passes at illin.is/taxcalc. Bryce Hill joins the Policy Shop with more.

Ep. 54: Is the 'teacher shortage' a myth? Sep 21, 2022

Nationwide, there is a broad, far-reaching narrative that there are not enough teachers and that the teacher shortage is a huge problem to be solved. What is the truth about Illinois? While some districts are struggling, the data from Illinois State Board of Elections show over the last decade, Illinois has 45,000 more teachers but 180,000 fewer students in public schools. Director of Labor Policy Mailee Smith joins the Policy Shop to break down what may be happening.

Ep. 53: Illinois vs. Tennessee: Which state government gets it right? Sep 13, 2022

Voters in both Tennessee and Illinois face an Amendment 1 on their respective Election Days. But they're very different amendments with very different outcomes that will drive the two states in very different directions. Mailee Smith tells the Policy Shop how Tennessee's amendment will help bolster its business environment while Illinois' amendment will have the opposite effect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guest: Mailee Smith

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

Guest: Orphe Divounguy

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

Guest: Dr. Orphe Divounguy

Ep. 22: How do we fix the broken state budget …for real? with Adam Schuster Feb 01, 2022

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 21: Incremental pension reform with Adam Schuster Jan 25, 2022

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 20: The Illinois exodus with Bryce Hill Jan 19, 2022

Guest: Bryce Hill

Ep. 19: A COVID-19 education with Amy Korte Jan 12, 2022

Guest: Amy Korte

Ep. 18: 2022 and beyond with Jordan Ryan Jan 05, 2022

Guest: Jordan Ryan

Ep. 17: Getting a legislative win with Austin Berg Dec 21, 2021

Guest: Austin Berg

Ep. 16: IPI: A free-market think tank in a big government state with Matt Paprocki Dec 14, 2021

Guest: Matt Paprocki

Ep. 15: Helping families invest in kids with Amy Korte Dec 08, 2021

Guest: Amy Korte

Ep. 14: Illinois’ local pension monster with Adam Schuster Dec 01, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 13: Thankful for Illinois small businesses with special guest Anderson’s Candy Shop Nov 23, 2021

Guest: Katie Anderson

Ep. 12: How to give students and teachers a bigger piece of the education funding pie with Adam Schuster Nov 16, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 11: Getting a J-O-B with Bryce Hill Nov 09, 2021

Guest: Bryce Hill

Ep. 10: Government unions’ big power play with Mailee Smith Nov 02, 2021

Guest: Mailee Smith

Ep. 9: Why is Illinois so corrupt? with Austin Berg Oct 26, 2021

Guest: Austin Berg

Ep. 8: What to watch this week in Springfield with Jordan Ryan Oct 19, 2021

Guest: Jordan Ryan

Ep. 7: Fact-checking Chicago’s budget with Adam Schuster Oct 12, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 6: Why are Illinois property taxes so high? Featuring Adam Schuster Oct 05, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 5: Pensions 101: Understanding IL’s pension crisis Sep 28, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 4: Obstacles to education with Mailee Smith Sep 21, 2021

Guest: Mailee Smith

Ep. 3: Illinois budget fact check with Adam Schuster Sep 13, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Ep. 2: Illinois’ post-COVID economy with Orphe Divounguy Sep 07, 2021

Guest: Dr. Orphe Divounguy

Ep. 1: How Illinois Suppresses the Vote w/ Adam Schuster Aug 25, 2021

Guest: Adam Schuster

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected