4/20: How Illinois spends marijuana money
4/20: How Illinois spends marijuana money
The state’s cannabis taxes likely tempt residents to make purchases in neighboring Missouri, which has one of the lowest rates in the country.
Illinois property taxes up 27% under Pritzker
Illinois property taxes up 27% under Pritzker
The governor pins the issue on local governments, but state law and decisions contribute to the problem.
‘Toll-Free in ’73’? Illinois tolls cost drivers $27 billion since then
‘Toll-Free in ’73’? Illinois tolls cost drivers $27 billion since then
Drivers paid nearly $27 billion in tolls from 2024 back to 1973, the year the roads were to become toll-free. Now the largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history is possible.
Waste Watch: Illinois gives $500,000 to health advocacy non-profit
Waste Watch: Illinois gives $500,000 to health advocacy non-profit
A $500,000 grant from the state highlights issues in transparency and last-minute funding.
Bears deal will be a top priority for lawmakers upon return
Bears deal will be a top priority for lawmakers upon return
Legislators face enormous pressure to finalize a megaprojects bill that would spell disaster for taxpayers.
Illinois must rein in spending
Illinois must rein in spending
Increases funded by federal COVID aid have been made permanent, causing a fiscal problem.
Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion
Cook County TIFs cost taxpayers over $2 billion
By freezing property values in a specific area, TIF districts artificially manipulate who pays the levy, leading to effective property tax hikes.
Illinois missing out on big savings
Illinois missing out on big savings
Adopting a state spending cap could help combat a mounting fiscal crisis.
A Bears stadium deal should not include lawmaker perks or raise property taxes
A Bears stadium deal should not include lawmaker perks or raise property taxes
Publicly funded stadium agreements can involve questionable incentives for politicians. The megaprojects bill in Illinois would drive up neighbors’ property taxes.
Tax concern should be a warning to Chicago’s mayor
Tax concern should be a warning to Chicago’s mayor
Almost half of those in a new poll named taxes one of the city top-two issues. Concern about the economy is on the rise.
March Madness: Lower-tax states offer savings for NIL athletes
March Madness: Lower-tax states offer savings for NIL athletes
Ahead of March Madness, some of the highest-earning college basketball players will pay less in state income tax than they would in Illinois.
Pritzker’s record budget proposal likely to grow before it’s enacted
Pritzker’s record budget proposal likely to grow before it’s enacted
Almost all of Illinois’ final budgets under Gov. J.B. Pritzker have been larger than first proposed.
Amid a proposed record budget, lawmakers should put price tags on their bills
Amid a proposed record budget, lawmakers should put price tags on their bills
Legislators should use fiscal notes to show taxpayers the economic impact of their proposals.
Vallas: J.B. Pritzker, Illinois’ affordability champion?
Vallas: J.B. Pritzker, Illinois’ affordability champion?
Illinois is one of the least affordable states in the nation. Blame high taxes, public pensions and structural debt.