It is essential that Illinois lawmakers and state leaders are fully informed and apprised of the condition of the state. The Institute of Government and Public Affairs has published The Illinois Report 2008 to ensure that evidence and nonpartisan recommendations are available to all Illinois policymakers. With the start of the General Assembly’s new session, we hope that The Illinois Report 2008 will prove a useful tool for understanding, addressing and solving some of the state’s most pressing issues. For each topic, we present the current status, draw comparisons with national and regional trends and offer some possible solutions.

A wide range of policy issues are discussed throughout the report. For instance, the structural deficit in state finances is analyzed, and the possibility of the conversion of Illinois’ personal income tax to a surcharge on federal income tax liability is suggested as one option to consider.

There is great uncertainty surrounding the national and state economies. Through 2007, Illinois has continued to under-perform in the period of recovery since the 2000 downturn, and it does not appear that this year will render significant improvements. However, Illinois’ position in the Midwest puts it in a strategic position in terms of regional markets and resources.

Healthcare has become an increasingly urgent topic nationwide, and the situation in Illinois is no different. While healthcare coverage has stayed consistent for the past 10 years, there are other distressing trends in this area, including an increase in obesity and a widening ethnic disparity in health and healthcare access. It is concluded that meaningful advances in eliminating these disparities must come from new policy initiatives, with public health initiatives playing a key role.

It is apparent that major deficiencies exist in Illinois’ funding of K-12 education. While all Illinois schools receive state funding, there is a large achievement gap between the highest- and lowest- performing schools. The report proposes that an increase in state contributions, coupled with support and guidance, can increase the quality of the educational experience for Illinois students and help under-performing schools attain their academic expectations.

With the publishing of this report, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs seeks to spark innovation in the policy forum. Finding solutions to these and the other issues presented in The Illinois Report 2008 is essential to help Illinois move forward on the path towards innovation, national leadership and prosperity.

The Institute of Government and Public Affairs

Since 1947, IGPA has been improving public policy and government’s performance in collaboration with associations, the not-for-profit sector and businesses. The faculty and professionals at the IGPA are dedicated to responding rapidly to the challenges facing society and assisting government to meet those challenges. They are also out front with innovative research, cutting-edge education, pragmatic training and informed consultation. The Illinois Report, which presents legislators with an annual review of major policy issues state-wide, is just one facet of the IGPA’s focus on critical issues in governance and public policy.