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.

Andrew Chesney joined the podcast to discuss:

The rise and repeal of Illinois’ Invest in Kids tax-credit scholarships and their impact on low-income families

How teachers unions drive Democratic opposition to school choice in Chicago and statewide

A new universal school choice tax credit opportunity and how citizens can mobilize to make it real

Andrew Chesney is an Illinois State Senator and former Freeport City Council member who also serves as the Stevenson County Republican Chairman. He has built his public-service reputation on cutting red tape, protecting taxpayers, and advancing parental rights in education. Chesney is a leading advocate for school choice and has been a vocal critic of union-driven policies he says trap children in failing schools and erode accountability.

The author of "Something Big: The True Story of the Brown's Chicken Massacre" attorney Patrick Wohl joins us on the Prairie State Wire podcast.

Learn more about Patrick at: www.patrickwohl.com