Vallas: 4 reasons why ‘mansion tax’ is bad for Chicago business
Vallas: 4 reasons why ‘mansion tax’ is bad for Chicago business
Two false labels are attached to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s push to tax high-dollar real estate sales. It’s not a “mansion tax.” It taxes mainly businesses. It won’t help “Bring Chicago Home.” It will fuel businesses moving out.
By Paul Vallas
Vallas: City budget passes, next fiscal crisis looms
Vallas: City budget passes, next fiscal crisis looms
Now that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has passed his first budget, attention should be on the Chicago Public Schools. School leaders claim it will have a budget hole of over $600 million by 2025.
By Paul Vallas
Illinois’ 2nd-highest gas taxes drive up Thanksgiving travel costs
Illinois’ 2nd-highest gas taxes drive up Thanksgiving travel costs
More than 55 million people are traveling for Thanksgiving this year, according to AAA. Illinois motorists can avoid the nation’s second-highest gas taxes by filling up in other states.
By Dylan Sharkey
Mr. Beef from ‘The Bear’ is a mansion, according to Chicago mayor’s tax plan
Mr. Beef from ‘The Bear’ is a mansion, according to Chicago mayor’s tax plan
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants voters to raise the city’s tax on million-dollar property sales, which would include any sale on a restaurant such as Mr. Beef, the inspiration for the hit show “The Bear.”
By Dylan Sharkey
Chicago City Council puts ‘mansion tax’ on March 2024 ballot
Chicago City Council puts ‘mansion tax’ on March 2024 ballot
The Chicago City Council is asking voters on the March 2024 ballot to approve or reject a tax increase on the sale of $1 million properties. The move will mainly hit commercial properties, adding to Chicago’s anti-business reputation.
By Dylan Sharkey
Cook County property taxes up $909 million
Cook County property taxes up $909 million
Cook County property taxes rose by $909 million. Property owners should expect bills in the mail after Nov. 1, which are due Dec. 1
By Dylan Sharkey
Vallas: What you should be asking about Chicago mayor’s budget
Vallas: What you should be asking about Chicago mayor’s budget
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a budget that does little to improve the city or advance his many progressive initiatives. Here’s what it does, and what Chicagoans should be asking city leaders about what it could be.
By Paul Vallas
Pritzker would veto Chicago mayor’s financial transaction tax plan
Pritzker would veto Chicago mayor’s financial transaction tax plan
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would oppose a financial transaction tax that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants as part of his plan for $800 million in new taxes.
By Dylan Sharkey
Kit Kat, Twix cost less because Halloween treat taxes are tricky in Illinois
Kit Kat, Twix cost less because Halloween treat taxes are tricky in Illinois
A spooky statute in Illinois says sweets made with flour aren’t candy. Halloween shoppers can dodge Illinois’ higher candy tax by checking ingredients.
By Dylan Sharkey
What Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 budget means for Chicagoans
What Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2024 budget means for Chicagoans
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson presented his first budget to other city leaders on Oct. 11. While he kept his promise not to raise property taxes, there are other fiscal challenges that will hit taxpayers hard in the future and need to be addressed now.
By Josh Bandoch
$4.9B in pension, debt costs squeeze essentials from Chicago 2024 budget
$4.9B in pension, debt costs squeeze essentials from Chicago 2024 budget
Pension contributions and debt service now take up 40% of Chicago’s city’s budget.
By Bryce Hill