Matt Paprocki, The Illinois Policy Journalist Profile

Articles

Cook County’s tax system is driving businesses, residents away

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki To the surprise of no one, Cook County property taxes went up again. Residential property tax bills surged 78% on a typical home between 2007 and 2024, while property values inched up just 7.3%. That equates to $2,558 more annually with little in the way of improved or additional government services to show for it. Business property owners in 2024 saw a 47.7% increase in commercial tax rates billed since 2006, while only getting a 5.5% increase in the median market value.
Pritzker’s budget sleight of hand ignores Illinois’ fiscal problems

1 month ago | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker blamed “professional bellyachers” and derided critics for pushing “magic bean fixes” during his State of the State address Feb. 19, but perhaps he should examine his own budgetary fairy tales. The governor’s latest $55.2 billion budget sets yet another spending record, continuing a pattern that has seen the state budget balloon by a staggering $16.7 billion since he took office.
Illinois leaders: Stop pushing for big government, start helping small businesses

2 months ago | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki Having access to meaningful work is one of the most important factors for families deciding where to plant roots. But since the onset of the pandemic, it’s been increasingly hard to find work in Illinois. The state had one of the worst job recoveries from COVID-19. In total, Illinois has only 15,400 more jobs than in January 2020, a 0.25% increase nearly five years later. Only 500 of these are private-sector roles. The other 14,900 were government jobs.
Neighbors Episode 302: Strengthening Communities and Local Leadership - A Conversation with Matt Paprocki

2 months ago | spn.org | James Pinedo |Matt Paprocki

In a rapidly changing political landscape, local engagement is more critical than ever. While many assume that certain states are destined to be blue or red, the truth is much more nuanced. In our latest episode of Neighbors in the Network, we sit down with Matt Paprocki, CEO and President of the Illinois Policy Institute, to explore how urban centers shape state politics—and what can be done to restore balance.
Votes on 3 long-neglected state issues can help Illinois businesses

Jan 19, 2025 | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki On April 1, nine suburban townships will ask their community of voters about three pressing issues affecting Illinois and its business environment. Advisory questions in Palatine, Lemont, Homer, Palos, Winfield, Antioch, Leyden, Wheeling and Addison townships gauge opinions on public pension reform, unfunded state mandates and fair maps — state issues lawmakers have too long ignored or aggravated.
Why occupational licensing reform can boost Illinois business

Nov 23, 2024 | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki In Illinois, nearly 1 in 4 workers requires an occupational license to perform more than 100 different professions. That includes barbers, hair braiders, interior designers, makeup artists, locksmiths, bill collectors and fire alarm installers. With one of the most restrictive licensing systems in the country, Illinois has lost 135,000 jobs and $15 billion in economic activity, while also worsening racial and income inequality in the state.
How ‘millionaire’s tax’ ballot question hides a business tax hike

Oct 19, 2024 | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki Voters across Illinois will see a seemingly innocuous question at the bottom of their ballots in November: “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised for property tax relief?” Illinoisans should approach this nonbinding question with extreme caution and skepticism.
Suburbs shouldn’t impose their own grocery taxes

Sep 28, 2024 | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki Inflation and the high cost of goods were the talk of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month. Recent grocery spikes have residents feeling the pinch. The price of groceries has ballooned by nearly $3,000 nationwide in just the past four years, a massive increase considering groceries only increased by about half that amount in the prior 10 years. Gov.
Does Illinois have a path to public pension reform?

Sep 7, 2024 | dailyherald.com | Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki Does Illinois finally have a path to public pension reform? Barrington Township recently placed a nonbinding resolution on the Nov. 5 ballot that serves as a meaningful first step. The referendum reads as follows: “Do you support constitutional pension reform to protect workers’ existing retirements and generate savings which could provide property tax relief or be reinvested in the community?” Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension crisis shouldn’t come as a surprise.
MATT PAPROCKI: Chicago’s Progressive Model Is Failing

Aug 20, 2024 | dailycaller.com | Matt Paprocki

As the Democratic National Convention descends on Chicago, delegates will be wined and dined, celebrating Mayor Brandon Johnson and the city’s reputation as a vanguard of progressive ideals. But behind the glitz and glamor lies the truth — Chicago, once a beacon of Midwestern prosperity, has fallen behind. One year into Johnson’s tenure, Chicago’s progressive vision is failing under real-world pressures.