The Policy Shop

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The Policy Shop is a podcast from the Illinois Policy Institute that tackles the most important public policy issues facing our state, hosted by Hilary Gowins.

Illinois Policy


    • Jan 11, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 67 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Policy Shop

    These three things could fix Illinois in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2023 14:19


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 8:09


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 12:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 23:11


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 11:31


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 10:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 15:25


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 12:35


    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"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 15:13


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 14:29


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 16:27


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 15:03


    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.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 12:56


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 10:36


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 12:06


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 13:42


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2022 14:40


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 13:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 12:15


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 11:58


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 16:02


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 15:18


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 12:04


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2022 14:32


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2022 11:55


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 13:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 21:18


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 16:30


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2022 14:14


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 19:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 13:32


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 14:50


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 14:03


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 12:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 12:13


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 12:17


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 18:15


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 10:57


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 15:34


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 18:52


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 16:51


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 11:09


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 14:48


    Guest: Mailee Smith

    Ep. 24: Property tax pain gets worse in Chicago with Orphe Divounguy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 17:15


    Guest: Orphe Divounguy

    Ep. 23: An economist's perspective: How's Illinois' economy really doing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2022 20:39


    Guest: Dr. Orphe Divounguy

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 22:39


    Guest: Adam Schuster

    Ep. 21: Incremental pension reform with Adam Schuster

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 18:29


    Ep. 20: The Illinois exodus with Bryce Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2022 31:42


    Guest: Bryce Hill

    Ep. 19: A COVID-19 education with Amy Korte

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 30:27


    Guest: Amy Korte

    Ep. 18: 2022 and beyond with Jordan Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 21:56


    Guest: Jordan Ryan

    Ep. 17: Getting a legislative win with Austin Berg

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 22:58


    Guest: Austin Berg

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