Paul Vallas: Chicago’s Leadership Is Failing Students, Taxpayers, and Black Residents

In this episode of the Prairie State Wire Podcast, Senior Fellow at the Illinois Policy Institute Paul Vallas joins the show for an in-depth conversation about three major challenges facing Chicago and Illinois.

Vallas breaks down what he sees as Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political pandering to the black community — and how it’s diverting attention from the real issues harming residents. He also discusses the lasting damage caused by COVID-era school closures, including setbacks in academic achievement, student mental health, and public safety, which he attributes to teachers union lobbying.

Finally, Vallas sheds light on Illinois’ deepening pension crisis, warning that a recent move by State Senator Bob Martwick has added another $11 billion in taxpayer liabilities.