Heather Steans –

Commentary: National service can help lift Chicago, U.S. out of COVID-19 education crisis

August 6, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.

The public health, economic and education crises caused by COVID-19, along with the conversations around racial equity that have been at the forefront this summer, have changed our lives in...

Regulating and taxing marijuana could help solve Illinois budget woes

May 11, 2019 at 4:02 a.m.

With solutions to Illinois' fiscal crisis seemingly blocked by partisan politics, it's time to start looking at new ideas. That's why we have introduced a bill to legalize the purchase...

Workers unload signature petitions out of a truck at the Illinois State Board of Election office in Springfield, Ill., on May 6, 2016.

Give voters a chance to restore democracy in Illinois

May 11, 2019 at 3:31 a.m.

Polls show that many Americans are dissatisfied with their choices for president this November. But at least they have a choice. Not so for many in Illinois who will be...

In Judy Baar Topinka’s honor, eliminate her office

May 11, 2019 at 2:00 a.m.

The tragic death of beloved Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka has been followed, predictably, by much speculation about who should replace her and how that person will be chosen. But...

Stop the Illinois income tax rollback

August 24, 2021 at 10:10 p.m.

Let me introduce you to Calvin, a young man with bipolar disorder. Calvin used to be hospitalized every other week. But during the past five years, he's gone to the...

The economy will suffer if non-profits weaken

August 20, 2021 at 5:58 a.m.

It's official: Chicago and our nation are in the midst of a recession. Layoffs and shutdowns started before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and the job market has been tightening...

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