Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Don Harmon, John Shaw, and Chris Welch speaking together.

lllinois Senate President Don Harmon, Insitute Director John Shaw, and Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch disucss the future of Illinois at the Union League Club of Chicago.

Better Politics, Smarter Government

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank promoting better politics and smarter government and preparing young people for careers in public service.

Bringing together public service leaders, our community, and students to carry on Senator Paul Simon's vision to create a place to research and provide constructive public policy resources, encourage others to take part in conversations on the issues of our time, and support the next generation of public leaders.

Our Better Politics, Smarter Government initiatives explore statesmanship, our world's formidable challenges, and the urgent need to renew Illinois. Learn more about past initiatives!

Paul Simon Democracy Prize

Three prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to current Illinois college or university students for the design and implementation of projects to revitalize democracy in their communities.

Eligibility:

Current IL college / university student
Design and implement a project to revitalize democracy
Submission of video and proposal outline

The proposal deadline is May 1st.

Learn more about the Paul Simon Democracy Prize!

Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award Nominations

The Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award is now accepting nominations for former or current elected state or local government official in Illinois who has demonstrated a pattern of public service characterized by vision, courage, compassion, effectiveness, civility, and bipartisanship.

Please submit your nominations by June 1st.

Learn more about the Simon-Edgar Statesmanship Award.