Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open
Southern Illinois taxpayers spend $134.4M since 2002 to keep airport open
An underused airport near Belleville, Illinois, has required local taxpayers to chip in $134.4 million since 2002 to keep it operating.
By Brad Weisenstein
Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average
Illinois cannabis buyers pay 89% more than U.S. average
The new report published by Headset found Illinoisans are paying 89% more for the average cannabis item than the rest of the nation. Researchers attribute the high prices to stifled competition.
By Patrick Andriesen
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
What does Chicago’s mayor need to impose his revised ‘mansion tax’?
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reportedly compromised on his proposed mansion tax in favor of a graduated real estate tax. What needs to happen before he can start collecting the extra taxes?
By Joe Tabor
Illinoisans pay 2nd highest gas taxes in the nation
Illinoisans pay 2nd highest gas taxes in the nation
Illinoisans pay the nation’s second-highest gas taxes behind California thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s automatic gas tax hikes. Illinois motorists faced two hikes in 2023.
By Patrick Andriesen, Dylan Sharkey
Cook County property taxes rise most in suburbs
Cook County property taxes rise most in suburbs
While most Cook County residents have seen property taxes rise, the suburbs saw the biggest hikes during the past 20 years. Chicago homeowners and business owners are feeling less tax pain than their suburban peers.
By Josh Bandoch
Up 40% or down 40%, Chicago property taxes all over the map
Up 40% or down 40%, Chicago property taxes all over the map
Chicago’s residential property taxes between 2020 and 2021 were pretty volatile. Don’t be happy about a big drop, though, because it might mean your home isn’t worth as much.
By Josh Bandoch
No election? No break on Illinois back-to-school supplies
No election? No break on Illinois back-to-school supplies
Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee are all having back-to-school sales tax holidays. Not Illinois, where state leaders saw the need during the 2022 election.
By Dylan Sharkey
June cannabis sales highest of year, 3rd highest ever for Illinois
June cannabis sales highest of year, 3rd highest ever for Illinois
Illinois dispensaries sold $136 million in marijuana during June, the highest of the year and third-best month ever for cannabis sales.
By Dylan Sharkey
Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax
Lollapalooza ticket price up to $392 higher with Chicago tax
The typical concertgoer will pay an extra $35 for their general admission ticket to Lollapalooza, thanks to the city’s amusment tax. A platinum pass will cost visitors more than the price of a standard ticket in taxes alone.
By Patrick Andriesen
Poll: 70% of Illinois voters support ending grocery tax permanently
Poll: 70% of Illinois voters support ending grocery tax permanently
Repealing the state grocery tax has support from 7 in 10 Illinois voters, according to an Illinois Policy Institute poll. Illinois is one of just 13 states with a grocery tax.
By Dylan Sharkey, Jon Josko
Poll: Illinois’ automatic gasoline tax hikes opposed by 70%
Poll: Illinois’ automatic gasoline tax hikes opposed by 70%
More than 70% of Illinois voters polled are against automatic annual gas tax increases. Illinoisans faced two automatic hikes in 2023.
By Dylan Sharkey, Jon Josko
Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax
Illinois adding casinos, but video gaming pays over 3X as much tax
Illinois is on pace for four new casinos in 2023, but the state’s tax payout from video gambling in local bars and restaurants remains a much bigger win.
By Dylan Sharkey