These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward conservative causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using an appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports, and omit information that may damage conservative causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Right Bias sources.

• Overall, we rate Illinois Policy Institute as right-biased due to story selection and political affiliation and mostly factual for reporting based on one failed fact check.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: RIGHT
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 2002, the Illinois Policy Institute is a nonprofit think tank. They describe themselves on their about page as: “an independent organization generating public policy solutions aimed at promoting personal freedom and prosperity in Illinois.” The Institute’s founder is Springfield native Greg Blankenship, who left the group in 2009. According to Rachel Wells from the Illinois Times, the Institute’s CEO and the president is John Tillman. Tillman states their mission is “to advance free-market principles and policies, so we look for data that supports that.” Tillman also attends Tea Party rallies promoting revolution. Illinois Policy Institute covers topics such as economics, education, politics, and more.

Funded by / Ownership

The Illinois Policy Institute is a 501(c)(3) public charity with an associated lobbying unit called the Illinois Policy Action, a 501(c)(4). The Institute also has an affiliated public-interest law firm named the Liberty Justice Center. According to Sourcewatch, the Illinois Policy Institute receives funding from several donors connected to Koch Industries and those who promote fossil fuels.

Analysis / Bias

In review, they typically use credible sources in their reporting, such as the Illinois General Assembly, Chicago Tribune, and Forbes. However, they are right biased through the political causes they support. For example, they oppose Obamacare and support repealing it and through their position on public education. They also use emotional headlines such as “HUNDREDS ON MEDICAID WAITING LIST IN ILLINOIS DIE WHILE WAITING FOR CARE.” In general, they promote a libertarian perspective and are reasonably fact-based.

Failed Fact Checks

• “Illinois School Finance Bill Bails Out Chicago” – False

Overall, we rate Illinois Policy Institute as right-biased due to story selection and political affiliation and mostly factual for reporting based on one failed fact check. (M. Huitsing 9/27/2017) Updated (01/06/2023)

Source: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/