PODCAST · government
Illinois Policy Podcast
by Illinois Policy
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.
Episodes
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The Chicago Teachers Union Vs. Everyone (2026 School Board Race)
Chicago votes Nov. 3, 2026, on its first fully elected school board, and the Chicago Teachers Union is facing opposition from nearly every direction. Political consultant and Chicago election mapmaker Frank Calabrese joins host Melanie Krakauer to walk through the 2026 Chicago school board...
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Why No One is Selling Homes in Illinois
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Illinois? From sky-high property taxes to confusing new commission rules, navigating the real estate market is tougher than ever. Expert real estate agent Kati Spaniak joins us to break down the current state of housing in Illinois and across the country.…
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The "Endless Appetite": How Illinois Spends Your Money
There is an "endless appetite" for spending in Springfield, but who is actually paying the bill? Former Deputy Republican Leader Tom Demmer pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, high-stakes game of the Illinois state budget on the latest episode of the Illinois Policy Podcast. As Governor…
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Why Chicago Workers Are 10% Poorer Today
Is Chicago in an economic death spiral or an undervalued investment opportunity? In this episode, we sit down with investor and former corporate lawyer Stu Loren to analyze the hard data on Chicago's economic trajectory. The findings are eye-opening: the average Chicago worker is effectively 10%...
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Is Chicago the Next Detroit?
Chicago and Illinois are dedicating nearly a third of their revenues just to pensions and retiree benefits — starving public safety, infrastructure, and basic services. In this episode, JPMorgan market strategist Michael Cembalest breaks down the real numbers behind Illinois’ pension crisis, from...
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Inside the Decline of Schools, Safety, and Finances in Chicago
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...
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These three things could fix Illinois in 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...
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The Chicago Teachers Union's war on school choice
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...
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These new laws take effect in Illinois in 2023
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...
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Why it's the perfect time for Illinois to embrace school choice
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…
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How small businesses led Illinois' recovery from covid
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,...
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Why you should run for school board in Illinois
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....
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Election Day 101: Understanding the Illinois ballot
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...
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How the 'workers' rights amendment' hurts 93% of Illinois workers
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...
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Debunking the myths behind Illinois' "workers' rights amendment"
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...
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What is the legacy of the Chicago Teachers Union's 2019 strike?
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...
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The $2B small business tax hike on Illinoisans' ballots
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...
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The truth about Illinois' economy
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…
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Ep. 55: Yes, Amendment 1 will hike your taxes. Here's how.
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...
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Ep. 54: Is the 'teacher shortage' a myth?
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,...
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Ep. 53: Illinois vs. Tennessee: Which state government gets it right?
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…
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Ep. 52: How to find the hidden tax hike on your November ballot
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...
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Ep. 51: What's holding back Illinois jobs recovery?
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.
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Ep. 50: Why so many parents are leaving Chicago Public Schools
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...
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Ep. 49: More union money floods Illinois politics
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…
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Ep. 48: The housing market goes bust
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.
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Ep. 47: Are we in a recession?
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...
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Ep. 46: Pritzker for president? w/ Austin Berg
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...
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Ep. 45: The truth about Pritzker and Lightfoot's economic record with Bryce Hill
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…
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Ep. 44: How Amendment 1 would raise your property taxes with Austin Berg
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…
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Ep. 43: Why 3 major companies just fled Illinois with Matt Paprocki
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...
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Ep. 42: Make your vote count with Jim Long
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...
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Ep. 41: Stay & Fight for Illinois with Matt Paprocki
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...
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Ep. 40: What happened after unions locked students out of schools? with Amy Korte
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...
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Ep. 39: The truth about Illinois' population with Bryce Hill
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'...
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Ep. 38: The hidden tax: Why inflation is (still) soaring with Bryce Hill
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…
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Ep. 37: Love thy neighbor's taxes with Adam Schuster
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...
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Ep. 36: Illinois' most competitive election ever with Adam Schuster
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...
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Ep 35: Why is tuition going up at Illinois universities? with Adam Schuster
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.
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Ep. 34: So sue me: Amendment 1 lawsuit with Mailee Smith
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.
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Ep. 33: Regressive and worsening: The Chicago speed camera story with Adam Schuster
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…
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Ep. 32: End of session roundup w/ Adam Schuster
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...
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Ep. 31: The hot housing market w/ Oprhe Divounguy
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.
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Ep. 30: Pain in the gas w/ Adam Schuster
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...
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Ep. 29: Mike Madigan's downfall and how to fix Illinois corruption with Austin Berg
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…
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Ep. 28: Illinois' economy 2 years into COVID-19 with Bryce Hill
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…
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Ep. 27: Failure to launch: Small business job creators struggle to grow in Illinois w/ Bryce Hill
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.
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Ep. 26: How to avoid a small business tax hike
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...
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Ep. 25: 700 days under Pritzker’s emergency powers
Guest: Mailee Smith
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Ep. 24: Property tax pain gets worse in Chicago with Orphe Divounguy
Guest: Orphe Divounguy
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Illinois Policy
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Illinois Policy Podcast have?
Illinois Policy Podcast currently has 73 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Illinois Policy Podcast about?
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...
How often does Illinois Policy Podcast release new episodes?
Illinois Policy Podcast has 73 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Illinois Policy Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Illinois Policy Podcast?
Illinois Policy Podcast is created and hosted by Illinois Policy.
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