Amendment 1 would lock sky-high property taxes into Illinois Constitution

By Adam Schuster

01/18/2022

A change to the Illinois Constitution on the 2022 ballot would effectively transfer power over tax dollars from the people and their elected representatives to special interests. It would thwart any efforts to curb the nation’s second-highest property taxes.

TAGS: Amendment 1, Illinois Constitution, property tax

Illinois considers local gas taxes atop doubled state gas tax

By Dylan Sharkey

01/14/2022

Illinois has the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, but a new bill would let cities add a local gas tax on top of the state and federal taxes and fees. Illinois doubled its gasoline tax in 2019, part of $5.2 billion in new taxpayer costs since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois

Illinois spent 6% more than it took in for 15 years, so COVID-19 hit it harder

By Justin Carlson

01/12/2022

From 2005-2019, Illinois revenues totaled just 94% of expenses. The state ran deficits in each of the 15 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only New Jersey overspent more.

TAGS: COVID-19, debt, deficit, government spending

Illinois joins 8 states asking to escape interest on unemployment loan

By Dylan Sharkey

12/18/2021

Illinois borrowed $4.2 billion from the federal government to replenish its unemployment trust fund, missed the deadline to repay it and now wants to avoid the interest that is due.

TAGS: COVID-19, Susana Mendoza, unemployment

Holiday travel comes with hefty price for Illinois gas

By Dylan Sharkey

12/17/2021

About one-third more people will be on the road this holiday season. For Illinoisans, the gas to get home for the holidays will be pricey.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois

Chicago property tax hikes cause housing struggles for seniors

By Patrick Andriesen

12/17/2021

A report on rapid growth among Cook County’s senior population found nearly 60% spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Experts insist on more county housing options or tactics to lower costs.

TAGS: Chicago, property taxes

Chicago’s test to hand $500 a month to low-income families stalls

By Patrick Andriesen

12/14/2021

Quick relief was promised for select needy families in Chicago, but it now looks like it will be summer before any of the $500-a-month checks are issued. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the delay is to prevent abuse.

TAGS: Chicago, UBI: Universal Basic Income

Sales taxes are holiday gift that keeps on taking

By Dylan Sharkey

12/13/2021

Illinois imposes some of the nation’s highest sales taxes on holiday shoppers, and this year online shopping will no longer offer a break.

TAGS: Christmas shopping, Illinois, sales tax

Springfield’s Bad Santas can’t break their sin tax habits

By Dylan Sharkey

12/13/2021

Taxing people’s bad habits is a tough way to raise reliable revenue, but Illinois keeps trying to do just that.

TAGS: Illinois, sin taxes

Illinois State Police audit shows $2.3 million went missing

By Dylan Sharkey

12/10/2021

Illinois State Police are facing audits showing $2.3 million is missing as lawmakers seek answers about old computers and late firearms IDs. Also, lawsuits and an indictment outline theft and sex harassment claims at the agency managing troopers.

TAGS: illinois state police, Legislative Audit Commission