Cook County soda tax could cost Illinois $87 million in federal food stamp funding
Cook County soda tax could cost Illinois $87 million in federal food stamp funding
Certain provisions of Cook County’s penny-per-ounce soda tax could cost Illinois more than $86 million in federal administrative funding.
By John Kristof
Cook County commissioners file ordinance to repeal soda tax
Cook County commissioners file ordinance to repeal soda tax
Commissioners from both parties are supporting a repeal effort of the sweetened beverage tax following widespread public outcry.
By John Kristof
More Chicago Public Schools layoffs on the way
More Chicago Public Schools layoffs on the way
Chicago Public Schools’ teacher and staff layoff announcement comes as the district pushes for more state money despite Chicago’s millions in TIF funds.
By Chris Lentino
Haterade: 87% of residents disapprove of new Cook County soda tax
Haterade: 87% of residents disapprove of new Cook County soda tax
A new poll has found that nearly 87 percent of Cook County residents disapprove of the new Cook County Sugary and Sweetened Beverages tax that took effect Aug. 2.
By Robert Brutvan
How TIFs and PTELL warp fairness in school funding
How TIFs and PTELL warp fairness in school funding
Lawmakers concerned with fairness within Illinois’ education system should eliminate discriminatory subsidies.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Rauner signs bill creating ‘Barack Obama Day’
Rauner signs bill creating ‘Barack Obama Day’
The bill makes Aug. 4 an honorary holiday for former President Barack Obama.
Taxpayer-funded Lombard hotel filing for bankruptcy
Taxpayer-funded Lombard hotel filing for bankruptcy
A decade-old, 18-story, taxpayer-funded hotel in the village of Lombard is headed for bankruptcy, proving to be a misguided investment of taxpayer dollars.
Preckwinkle suing soda tax opponents, judge fears ‘chilling effect’
Preckwinkle suing soda tax opponents, judge fears ‘chilling effect’
Cook County’s lawsuit seeks damages from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.
By John Kristof
Cook County soda tax exempts food stamp purchases
Cook County soda tax exempts food stamp purchases
While supporters of the tax claim success in the fight against obesity, the law exempts a vulnerable segment of the population.
By Chris Lentino
Lawsuit claims Chicago distracted driving tickets invalid
Lawsuit claims Chicago distracted driving tickets invalid
Distracted driving citations dropped by 99 percent after a 2015 Chicago ordinance was passed to comply with state law.
By John Kristof
Chicago Public Schools’ latest $500 million borrowing: More evidence it doesn’t deserve a bailout
Chicago Public Schools’ latest $500 million borrowing: More evidence it doesn’t deserve a bailout
Senate Bill 1 would force Illinois taxpayers to pick up the tab for CPS’ mismanagement of its finances.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner, Evelyn Hussey
PolitiFact fumbles fact-check: Education funding proposal is a CPS bailout
PolitiFact fumbles fact-check: Education funding proposal is a CPS bailout
Analysis from PolitiFact Illinois and the Better Government Association misreads or ignores Chicago Public Schools bailout provisions within Senate Bill 1.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Cook County soda tax goes into effect, despite appeal
Cook County soda tax goes into effect, despite appeal
The new tax will make soda sold in Chicago among the most expensive in the country.
By John Kristof
Rahm’s 2018 Budget: More taxes on the way?
Rahm’s 2018 Budget: More taxes on the way?
In the wake of the city’s 2018 preliminary budget report, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is playing it close to the vest about whether to raise taxes.
By Chris Lentino