Budget + Tax

Opinion: Why Illinois’ state budget matters to you

Opinion: Why Illinois’ state budget matters to you

Illinois will spend over $50 billion this year to operate state government, which is $10 billion more than when J.B. Pritzker first started spending your taxes. Here are some reasons to pay attention to the upcoming state budget.

By Hilary Gowins

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

Illinois sales taxes highest in Midwest

Combined state and average local sales tax rate tallies 8.85% in Illinois for 2024. That’s the highest in the Midwest and seventh highest in the nation.

By Bryce Hill

Illinois No. 2 in the nation for gas taxes

Illinois No. 2 in the nation for gas taxes

Illinoisans pay the nation’s second-highest gas taxes behind only Californians, thanks to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s automatic gas tax hikes. The next gas tax hike is scheduled for July 1.

By Dylan Sharkey