Illinois gas tax about to increase as Pritzker asks Illinoisans to take a drive

By Patrick Andriesen

05/13/2021

When Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state lawmakers doubled the gas tax in 2019, they built in automatic annual increases. The next boost hits July 1. Perfect timing, as Pritzker spends $6 million to ask Illinoisans to take a drive.

TAGS: COVID-19, gas tax, JB Pritzker, reopen

Illinois House bill seeks to end waste and corruption in infrastructure spending

By Aneesh Bafna

04/30/2021

House Bill 253 would create data-driven process for selecting future infrastructure projects in an attempt to end wasteful and politically motivated spending.

TAGS: Illinois, infrastructure, pork barrel spending, tax hikes, transportation, waste

Pritzker pressures Biden for tax change worth $2.5 million a year to governor

By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill

04/23/2021

In a letter to the president, Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined other Democratic governors to urge the removal of the State and Local Tax deduction cap. The move would primarily benefit the wealthy, including Pritzker.

TAGS: income tax, JB Pritzker, Joe Biden, SALT

Chicago considers $500 monthly guaranteed income for 5,000 low-income residents

04/22/2021

Under a new proposal, the city of Chicago would issue debit cards to 5,000 low-income residents that provide $500 each month for a year using some of its COVID-19 relief money.

TAGS: Chicago, debt, government spending, UBI: Universal Basic Income

Illinois lawmakers ready to repeal $100 trailer fee hike, but Pritzker won’t let go of cash

By Brad Weisenstein

04/20/2021

A bipartisan bill to repeal a $100 hike on license plates for trailers has so many sponsors, it could pass the Illinois House. Still, the bill is stuck in committee because Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration wants to hold on to the revenue.

TAGS: fees, JB Pritzker, vehicle registration

Illinois gas prices top $3, highest since Pritzker doubled gas tax in 2019

By Brad Weisenstein

04/19/2021

Gas was $3.05 per gallon in Illinois. It was over $1 higher than a year ago and the highest since the state gasoline tax doubled to 38 cents per gallon and is set to increase again July 1.

TAGS: gas tax, Illinois, JB Pritzker

Judge says taxpayers owe 2 Illinois senators who voted to reject raises

By Brad Weisenstein

04/12/2021

Judge rules in favor of two former state senators seeking the back pay they rejected and then crowed about rejecting. Ruling applies only to the pair.

TAGS: Illinois, Illinois Comptroller, lawmaker pay

Biden corporate tax plan would push Illinois rates to No. 5

By Ann Miller

04/02/2021

Combine the corporate tax rate President Joe Biden wants to fund his infrastructure plan with Illinois’ tax, and the resulting rate would be 35.4% – fifth highest in the nation and second in the Midwest.

TAGS: corporate income tax, COVID-19, JB Pritzker, Joe Biden, small business

Bill would match Illinois spending to what taxpayers can afford

By Bryce Hill

04/02/2021

A bipartisan ‘spending cap’ bill would allow predictable, sustainable growth in state spending without tax hikes. Illinois is one of the few states without a similar fiscal restraint.

TAGS: budget, spending cap, tax hikes

Too many government units means property taxes are too high in Illinois

By Patrick Andriesen

03/30/2021

A bill to eliminate some of Illinois’ 1,400 townships is on hold, but state lawmakers could revive it and give voters the power to reduce their property tax bills.

TAGS: Citizens Empowerment Act, local government consolidation, property taxes, townships