November 2020 – Prairie State Policy

Partnerships

FYM Podcast Two midwestern feminists break down the political news you need to know, and none of the misinformation you don’t. What’s going on, and how do these issues affect everyday Americans? Tune in for fact-based analysis delivered with humor, and weekly actions listeners can take to be informed and engaged citizens. Prairie State PolicyContinue reading “Partnerships”

Illinois’ First Minimum Wage Law

Overview The U.S. Federal minimum wage was first implemented in 1938 under the Roosevelt administration with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLA). However, FLA did not mandate a universal minimum wage for all industries and were subject to exceptions. By the early 1970s, many state legislatures convened to address these issues by passing legislation toContinue reading “Illinois’ First Minimum Wage Law”

Illinois’ GDP

A Look at the State’s GDP Performance Overview The state of Illinois is currently the sixth most populous state, is the economic engine of the Midwest, and has the fifth highest GDP in the Union. Moreover, Illinois’ economy is so big that is the equivalent to that of Switzerland. This blog provides a snapshot ofContinue reading “Illinois’ GDP”

Illinois-Centric Books for the Holiday Season

Here at Prairie State Policy we like to read. In fact, some of our published work came from ideas or citations from Illinois-centric books. With many staying indoors this holiday season due to COVID-19, we decided to compile a list of Illinois-centric books for the savvy reader and Illinois politico. We hope this list containsContinue reading “Illinois-Centric Books for the Holiday Season”

Pat Quinn’s Cut Back Amendment

The Initiative that Created the Modern Organizational Structure of the General Assembly Topic: Politics & Public Management Overview Prior to 1980, the structure of the General Assembly looked very different. Instead of having one House representative per House district, each district contained three state representatives, plus a Senator. This resulted in bigger legislative districts andContinue reading “Pat Quinn’s Cut Back Amendment”