Illinois Senate passes Cullerton budget, out of balance by as much as $1.5B
Illinois Senate passes Cullerton budget, out of balance by as much as $1.5B
State senators voted to approve the 1,245-page budget just hours after it was made public.
As Alton shrinks, school district administrator salaries grow
As Alton shrinks, school district administrator salaries grow
More than half of local school district administrators earn more than $100,000, and those incomes will get a boost after a recent board decision.
More than 230 Belleville school district employees earn more than $100K
More than 230 Belleville school district employees earn more than $100K
Many school district employees’ earnings are more than double that of the typical Belleville household.
Highland Park school board awards $300,000 severance to departing superintendent
Highland Park school board awards $300,000 severance to departing superintendent
The excessive severance package comes as a bill curbing golden parachutes sits in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Property-tax-for-pensions plan would pummel Illinois homeowners
Property-tax-for-pensions plan would pummel Illinois homeowners
With one proposal to pay off Illinois’ pension debt asking the typical homeowner to pay more than $1,900 in additional property taxes for the next 30 years, the stakes for pension reform have never been clearer.
Elimination of Alton Township could be placed in voters’ hands
Elimination of Alton Township could be placed in voters’ hands
Taxpayers in the city of Alton, which has identical borders to that of Alton Township, could see savings through consolidation.
As budget deadline looms, Illinois lawmakers push bill aimed at carnival workers
As budget deadline looms, Illinois lawmakers push bill aimed at carnival workers
Springfield is struggling to juggle its priorities, with state lawmakers pressing up against time to pass a budget for the coming fiscal year.
More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
More than 90 local government leaders sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
Local government leaders across Illinois are asking their state lawmakers to stand up against House Speaker Mike Madigan’s progressive tax push.
Two things Illinois homeowners should know about the property tax assessment process
Two things Illinois homeowners should know about the property tax assessment process
Inaccuracy and unfairness in the property tax assessment process mean some homeowners, especially those in poorer areas, pay a disproportionate share of the overall tax burden.
Metro East property tax bills making their way to mailboxes
Metro East property tax bills making their way to mailboxes
Residents of St. Clair and Madison Counties will soon see some of the nation’s most punishing property tax bills.
Decatur’s fiscal bind may lead to police and fire layoffs
Decatur’s fiscal bind may lead to police and fire layoffs
Reductions in state subsidies are one reason for Decatur’s predicament, but long-running pension woes are an even larger source of pain.
Metro East property tax bills making their way to mailboxes
Metro East property tax bills making their way to mailboxes
Residents of St. Clair and Madison Counties will soon see some of the nation’s most punishing property tax bills.
Inspector general: Personnel, procedural errors cost Cook County hospital system $165 million in revenue
Inspector general: Personnel, procedural errors cost Cook County hospital system $165 million in revenue
While the county hospital system loses out on revenue, county payroll and retirement costs continue to climb.
Civic Federation calls for tax hikes, opposes sensible reform in budget criticism
Civic Federation calls for tax hikes, opposes sensible reform in budget criticism
The Civic Federation’s criticism of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s proposed budget is a mixed bag, with its own proposals for Illinois’ financial crisis – including nearly $3 billion in tax hikes – missing the mark.