Capitol Update: CME, Sears tax breaks
Capitol Update: CME, Sears tax breaks
A tax relief giveaway was approved by a House committee today. The bill lacks relief for the average Illinois family, however.
Budgeting for results
Budgeting for results
by Kristina Rasmussen I’m generally a fan of “performance budgeting” systems — they sure beat mindlessly growing last year’s budget without reference to goals or outcomes. When I’ve looked at good governance initiatives at the federal level, my two main criticisms have been that standards all too often 1) get set low; and 2) encourage more government, not...
Can you be bought off for $1.25?
Can you be bought off for $1.25?
by Kristina Rasmussen From the start of discussions over the “tax relief” package being discussed by the Illinois General Assembly, I’ve been concerned about the lack of apparent relief for the middle class. Of the various provisions in the bill (SB397), the one clear measure aimed at providing broad-based relief was supposed to be the personal exemption increase: Illinois...
Expanding sales tax collection to remote retailers
Expanding sales tax collection to remote retailers
by Emily Dietrich The debate over sales tax collection for remote retailers and traditional sellers continues to rage. As the Institute reported last month, the state law that forces remote sellers to remit taxes to the Illinois Department of Revenue on behalf of Illinois residents has cost many families in Illinois both jobs and income. Now, federal...
Cook County tax hikes pass key committee
Cook County tax hikes pass key committee
by Kristina Rasmussen I don’t smoke. Never have. But I still oppose tobacco tax hikes. Why? The related revenue is used to run up government spending. Yet smoking is decreasing, and so are revenues. Non-smokers could be on the hook for general tax increases to fill the gap. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle turned this...
The correct way to provide tax relief
The correct way to provide tax relief
by Kristina Rasmussen Much to the dismay of families and businesses across the state, the Illinois General Assembly passed the largest tax hike in Illinois’ history earlier this year. People are hurting as a result. Income once earned for the household budget is now sent to government. The job market remains weak. Businesses understandably want relief....
Alcohol tax hikes are on the menu for Cook County
Alcohol tax hikes are on the menu for Cook County
by Kristina Rasmussen The Cook County Board of Commissioners is looking at a broad array of tax and fee hikes to make up for a budget shortfall, and significant increases for wine, beer, and liquor taxes are all on the menu. These tax hikes pose a direct threat to local bar and restaurant operators, many of...
Debt bombs and how we can disarm them
Debt bombs and how we can disarm them
by John Tillman There is only one way out of the worldwide debt crisis, but so far Illinois’ political leaders do not seem to understand what that path is. Here is what the solution is not: The solution is not increasing taxes. The General Assembly and Gov. Quinn did that in January by implementing a...
Things you think are treats but really are tricks
Things you think are treats but really are tricks
by Amanda Griffin-Johnson This time of year, children go door-to-door dressed in costumes to ask their neighbors for treats. Throughout the year, governments at the federal, state and local level provide services and programs that many look upon as treats. But considering the cost and inefficiency of some of these programs and services, are these...
How to stop pushing jobs out of Illinois
How to stop pushing jobs out of Illinois
by Emily Dietrich “If we repeal this law, these jobs will come back to Illinois,” said Brian Littleton, founder and CEO of ShareASale, at a press conference announcing the introduction of legislation to repeal Illinois’ affiliate nexus law, sometimes referred to as the “Amazon tax.” Wednesday’s press conference focused on the thousands of Illinois businesses...
Reforms in Wisconsin save millions
Reforms in Wisconsin save millions
by Mark Cavers Earlier this year, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker ushered in a set of reforms to his state’s budget and personnel system. At the time, opponents said the reforms would be catastrophic. This month, the governor launched a website showing what the reforms have actually meant for local governments and taxpayers. According to Gov. Walker, local...