The Policy Shop

The Policy Shop


Latest Episodes

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.

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

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
April 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
April 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 c

Ep. 32: End of session roundup w/ Adam Schuster
April 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 fo

Ep. 31: The hot housing market w/ Oprhe Divounguy
April 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 r

Ep. 30: Pain in the gas w/ Adam Schuster
March 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 variou

Ep. 29: Mike Madigan's downfall and how to fix Illinois corruption with Austin Berg
March 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 g

Ep. 28: Illinois' economy 2 years into COVID-19 with Bryce Hill
March 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 find

loaded