Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants $589 million in business-focused tax hikes. That would endanger Illinois’ long-term economic stability.
The money would be spread across several programs meant to create more units.
Illinoisans would pay a new bag tax under a proposed bill in Springfield. The tax would only deepen concerns that the state keeps increasing the cost burden.
Illinois voters rejected a graduated income tax in 2020. State politicians are trying again.
A new bill in Springfield would provide a roadmap to make higher education more affordable and competitive.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s $56 billion budget proposal for 2027 relies in more than $700 million in new revenue.
Illinois lawmakers diverted at least $74 million in one-time pandemic relief funds to select social programs and nonprofits.
Spending proposal features $1 billion in updated revenue assumptions, $589 million in tax and fee hikes and $139 million in fund sweeps.
Higher tax revenue paints a better picture for Illinois’ budget, but increases have been driven by strong national economy, rather than local policy.
Illinois’ broken budgeting process allows legislators to hand taxpayer money to podcasting and production studios.
Illinois lawmakers claim the state saved nearly $500 million in fiscal year 2026, but most “savings” are either from federal decisions or shifting costs, not serious fiscal restraint.
State lawmakers voted to hike road tolls in 2027, even though the state has billions in the road fund it’s not using. Some drivers are reconsidering their commutes; Laura Valdez explains why she cut toll roads out of her routine years ago.
Pro-growth policies and fiscal responsibility can ensure Illinois’ long-term budget health. Here’s how state leaders can do it.
Some Illinois lawmakers handed money to their local business associations. Should everyone’s taxes subsidize certain groups because their lawmakers had clout?