For each percentage point drop in the private sector’s share of the state economy, Illinois household incomes fall by over $3,000 on average. Unfortunately for Illinoisans, the private sector’s share of the Illinois economy has dwindled as government’s share – enabled through tax-funded spending – has risen to 25 percent.
Illinois’ duplicative and overlapping units of government contribute to the state’s high property tax burden, but luckily some small steps have been taken to consolidate them.
In 2016, Chicago and Cook County officials approved new tax and fee hikes that will hit already overburdened residents. A taxpayer bill of rights could prevent politicians from constantly nickel-and-diming residents to make up for budget shortfalls.
After hundreds of waiting list deaths and an unsustainable enrollment explosion, Illinois policymakers must act swiftly to contain this growing nightmare. Thankfully, they have options.
Metra CEO Don Orseno is set to receive a pay increase a month after Metra’s fare hike.
The failure of almost all potential veto overrides in 2016 is a victory for Illinois taxpayers.
Real reform to help overtaxed Illinoisans – such as a property-tax cap and aggressive government consolidation – would be the gift that keeps giving the whole year round.
A group of state representatives has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger.
Lame-duck session allows lawmakers already ousted by voters to act with reckless abandon before leaving the Statehouse.
Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the $215 million bailout of Chicago Public Schools’ ailing teachers’ pension fund.
Illinois needs structural reforms to fix its fiscal problems, not a tax hike by lawmakers on their way out the door.
Unlike the people who voluntarily have given tens of thousands of dollars toward Cards Against Humanity's Black Friday hole-digging gag, Illinois taxpayers are forced to pour money into the state's ever-growing budget and pension gaps.
Chicago City Council expanded its 9 percent amusement tax to include businesses subscribing to satellite television – another way to nickel and dime the most taxed residents in the state.
Chicago would create new transit-based super TIFs before the close of the year in order to secure federal funding, while adding more opportunities for city-run slush funds to hoard tax dollars.