Chicago passes largest property-tax hike in modern city history
Chicago passes largest property-tax hike in modern city history
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and city aldermen choose tax hikes over necessary reform.
The Edgar ramp – the ‘reform’ that unleashed Illinois’ pension crisis
The Edgar ramp – the ‘reform’ that unleashed Illinois’ pension crisis
The former governor’s landmark pension bill paved the way for two decades of go-along-to-get-along pension politics, turning Illinois' pension debt into the nation's largest retirement crisis.
Susann D.
Susann D.
“I can’t believe I’m still dealing with this. I’ve had to file some sort of [property-tax] appeal almost every single year since I moved here in 1998. “So many seniors’ brains don’t function really well, but I’m lucky I had a professional background that helped me file those appeals. Patience and perseverance are the primary attributes. It...
Illinois budget gridlock means no vehicle registration renewal reminders
Illinois budget gridlock means no vehicle registration renewal reminders
The budget stalemate in Springfield has forced Illinois’ secretary of state to suspend mailing vehicle registration renewal notices to vehicle owners.
Moody’s hits Illinois with credit downgrades
Moody’s hits Illinois with credit downgrades
Major ratings agencies are weighing in on the dismal state of the state.
Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth
Fitch cuts Illinois credit rating, cites budget gridlock, massive debt and sluggish growth
The Illinois General Assembly is refusing to fix Illinois’ structural problems. Downgrades are the consequence.
Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession
Illinois’ tax revenues increased more than those of any state but North Dakota since Great Recession
A new study from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that Illinois’ tax revenues are up by 20 percent over their pre-Great Recession peak, debunking the oft-repeated mantra that Illinois is just one more tax hike away from solving its fiscal problems.
Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme
Meet the politicians getting rich off Chicago’s property-tax scheme
Flawed property valuations and the process required to fix them are a cash cow for law firms, including those of House Speaker Mike Madigan, Chicago Alderman Ed Burke and Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.
Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV
Cook County plans to hike taxes on bowling, golf and cable TV
“Pay to play” might take on a whole new meaning in Chicago.
Win more than $600 in the Illinois Lottery? You get an IOU
Win more than $600 in the Illinois Lottery? You get an IOU
The state budget impasse is having increasingly embarrassing consequences.
Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees
Company founded by political insiders received over $22 million from Illinois in vendor late fees
The state of Illinois has paid $611 million in late fees to vendors. Political insiders who have donated to some of the state’s most powerful elected officials are reaping the benefits.
Illinois state government takes in more tax dollars per person than every neighboring state
Illinois state government takes in more tax dollars per person than every neighboring state
The low-tax Land of Lincoln is a myth.
Rauner speaks out on the fallacy of ‘extreme’ reforms
Rauner speaks out on the fallacy of ‘extreme’ reforms
Gov. Bruce Rauner calls on Illinois lawmakers to save costs for the state by enacting collective-bargaining reforms for its government-worker unions.
Chicago tax collector hath arrived with massive tax hike
Chicago tax collector hath arrived with massive tax hike
Emanuel says, ‘we haven’t left any stone unturned ... not done yet’