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A perfect example of what a Red state can get done compared to a Blue state
Yet Illinois has significantly better school systems while Indianas are terrible. We value sports more than education. But putting an emphasis on education and sports can be done. Neither state wants both
Illinois has significantly better schools?? Please quote your sources.
DonALD F., Indiana does not have a universal Pre-K program, while Illinois is working toward providing free pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds through the “Smart Start Illinois” initiative, aiming to provide universal access by next year. The state currently offers “Preschool for All” (PFA), an income-based, program while Chicago Public Schools already provide free, full-day options. This is a n important, significant difference between the two states, as studies consistently report Pre-K education better prepares children for elementary school which results in improved focus and higher grades.
Illinois has substantially better schools, housing quality, and transportation infrastructure than Indiana and it’s not close. Indiana works quickly to give billionaires tax money, that’s pretty much the only time we work quickly.
Both Illinois and Chicago are bankrupt. What power do they hold in a negotiation?
The FY 2026 budget for Illinois has a $370 million General Fund surplus.
Considering Pritzker and Illinois’ legislature + Chicago’s political leaders…..is this surprising? 🤪
Brent B, Most folks put their kids in a pre=school in Indiana and many homeschool which, I submit, is a far better environment than corrupt, Illinois public schools!! You’d have to be drunk, delusional or a lib (sorry for the redundancy) to believe that ANYTHING IN ILLINOIS IS BETTER! Maybe you can now explain why Illinois leads the nation in outward migration!!
John, “most folks: (i.e., 51% or more) do not put their kids in pre-school in Indiana (and definitely not their 3- and 4-year old children). The latest statistics report that only 7% of four-year-olds are enrolled in Indiana-funded preschool programs, while 8% of three-year-olds may lack access to quality pre-K services (the state program primarily serves four-year-olds, indicating a significant gap in enrollment for younger children). And less than 8% were home schooled during the 2023-24 school year.
Also, your claim on Illinois losing the most population is flat-out wrong. In 2025, the states that experienced the most population decline were California (9,000 residents), Hawaii (2,000), New York (121,000), and Vermont (1,800 residents).