A think tank advised Illinois leaders not to use temporary federal COVID-19 relief aid for on-going programs. It would lead to future funding shortfalls.
Published Jan. 30, 2022
Published Jan. 27, 2022 Illinois’ economy was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, but 2021 was supposed to be a year of recovery. Unfortunately, the policy climate continues to be the state’s biggest liability despite high vaccination rates, great natural endowments, a talented workforce, a large financial sector and a growing tech industry. While Illinois boasts...
An investigation found $4 billion in funds to be doled out by politicians at their discretion, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker controlling half of it. The extra pork was packed into Illinois’ $45 billion infrastructure plan, including $144 million for Madigan friends – some who never asked for it.
A change to the Illinois Constitution on the 2022 ballot would effectively transfer power over tax dollars from the people and their elected representatives to special interests. It would thwart any efforts to curb the nation’s second-highest property taxes.
Illinois has the second-highest gas taxes in the nation, but a new bill would let cities add a local gas tax on top of the state and federal taxes and fees. Illinois doubled its gasoline tax in 2019, part of $5.2 billion in new taxpayer costs since Gov. J.B. Pritzker took office.
From 2005-2019, Illinois revenues totaled just 94% of expenses. The state ran deficits in each of the 15 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only New Jersey overspent more.
Illinois borrowed $4.2 billion from the federal government to replenish its unemployment trust fund, missed the deadline to repay it and now wants to avoid the interest that is due.
About one-third more people will be on the road this holiday season. For Illinoisans, the gas to get home for the holidays will be pricey.
A report on rapid growth among Cook County’s senior population found nearly 60% spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Experts insist on more county housing options or tactics to lower costs.
"Without changing the current system, we will continue to drive people out of Illinois and stifle economic growth."
Quick relief was promised for select needy families in Chicago, but it now looks like it will be summer before any of the $500-a-month checks are issued. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the delay is to prevent abuse.
Illinois imposes some of the nation’s highest sales taxes on holiday shoppers, and this year online shopping will no longer offer a break.
Taxing people’s bad habits is a tough way to raise reliable revenue, but Illinois keeps trying to do just that.