Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino

By Ben Szalinski

07/03/2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers agree that when taxes are too high, not even a casino in the heart of Chicago can make money.

TAGS: casino, Chicago, gaming

If Illinois passes progressive income tax, retirement tax comes next

By Austin Berg

07/03/2020

Passing the progressive tax would empower state lawmakers to go after seniors’ retirement income.

TAGS: fair tax, retirement tax

Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income

By Ben Szalinski

07/02/2020

Illinois could be the next state to tax retirement income if voters approve the progressive income tax in November.

TAGS: progressive tax, retirement tax

Pritzker fact check: Do most other states really have a ‘fair tax’?

By Adam Schuster

07/01/2020

In more than half of progressive tax states, the middle class pays the maximum state income tax rate.

TAGS: fair tax, JB Pritzker

Blame Illinois exodus on jobs, housing, tax policy

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

06/25/2020

Census data shows who is fleeing Illinoisans and why. Here’s why you should care.

TAGS: jobs, outmigration, population, tax burden

Automatic state worker pay hikes, gas tax hike coming to Illinois July 1

By Brad Weisenstein

06/25/2020

How fair is it that some of the highest-paid state employees in the nation are getting a raise that must be funded by an economically wounded bunch of taxpayers?

TAGS: COVID-19, gas tax, government unions, lawmaker pay, unemployment

Joliet considering citywide salary cuts to ease budget strains

By Ben Szalinski

06/25/2020

The city has suffered significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Pensions will further damage city services even as the pandemic fades.

TAGS: budget, Joliet, pensions

Illinois treasurer says ‘fair tax’ makes retirement tax more likely

By Ben Szalinski, Adam Schuster

06/24/2020

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs said a progressive state income tax will open the door to taxing retirement income.

TAGS: pensions, progressive income tax, retirement tax

COVID-19 economic hit forces Peoria to cut 45 city jobs, offer buyouts

By Ben Szalinski

06/24/2020

Peoria’s financial problems grew critical from the coronavirus, but the long-term threat of pension debt will remain even after more severe cuts are made.

TAGS: coronavirus, COVID-19, Peoria, recession

Illinois first to rely on ‘lender of last resort’ borrowing from Federal Reserve

By Adam Schuster

06/19/2020

Illinois' credit rating is just one notch above junk, the lowest of any U.S. state.

TAGS: borrowing, credit, Federal Reserve, JB Pritzker, Municipal Lending Facility