Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
Is this the most toxic tax in Illinois politics?
One wonders how many times an unpopular idea must be knocked down before it rises back from the dead. Especially when it means more money for the state. And especially in Illinois.
By Austin Berg
What goes up must come down: Why Illinois is ill-prepared for the next recession
What goes up must come down: Why Illinois is ill-prepared for the next recession
Poor public policy and inefficient government mean Illinois will struggle to provide relief for residents in need during the next downturn.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest
County referendum would raise Springfield sales tax burden to among nation’s highest
A proposed 1 percent sales tax for school facilities improvements would bring the city of Springfield’s combined sales tax rate to 9.75 percent – among the highest in the nation.
By Janelle Cammenga
53 representatives sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
53 representatives sign on to letter opposing progressive tax
Taxpayers across Illinois oppose a progressive tax but many state lawmakers still refuse to stand up against House Speaker Mike Madigan’s progressive tax push.
By Chris Lentino
Rauner signs bill banning ticket quotas in Chicago
Rauner signs bill banning ticket quotas in Chicago
Chicago will no longer be exempted from a state law barring Illinois municipalities from imposing ticket quotas on local police departments.
Will lawmakers push per-mile driving tax in Illinois?
Will lawmakers push per-mile driving tax in Illinois?
Illinoisans already get hosed at the pump, but politicians are looking for new ways to soak drivers.
By Chris Lentino
Springfield taxpayers could see savings through township consolidation
Springfield taxpayers could see savings through township consolidation
A ballot question asking voters whether to eliminate Capital Township could bring savings to Springfield taxpayers – but that would just be one of many steps worth taking to lower Springfield’s high property taxes.
IRS moves to block Illinois lawmakers’ tax credit workaround scheme
IRS moves to block Illinois lawmakers’ tax credit workaround scheme
New IRS rules make clear that lowering the actual tax burden, not complicated workarounds, is the correct way to respond to tighter federal restrictions on SALT deductions.
By Adam Schuster
Rauner vetoes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers statewide
Rauner vetoes bill mandating $40,000 minimum salary for teachers statewide
Dictating teachers’ salaries from Springfield would impose a costly mandate on local school districts and expose struggling homeowners across the state to property tax hikes.
By Eddie Damstra
Sherry Arnold
Sherry Arnold
“I first came here in 1989. I moved for four years out to North Carolina and then came back. I was excited about moving back because my grandbaby was being born. “I thought I’d just retire here. Then all the taxes came. “We’re going to move out by the spring. “My land taxes doubled from...
State of Illinois confirms new budget is out of balance by $1.2B
State of Illinois confirms new budget is out of balance by $1.2B
Despite claims from some state lawmakers that the fiscal year 2019 budget is balanced, official reports to bond buyers admit a deficit of more than $1 billion.
By Adam Schuster
Taxpayer victory: Rauner signs bill axing ‘golden parachute’ payouts for public officials
Taxpayer victory: Rauner signs bill axing ‘golden parachute’ payouts for public officials
The Government Severance Pay Act places a cap on – and attaches strings to – golden parachute severance payouts for outgoing government employees.
By Vincent Caruso
St. Clair County property taxes nearly doubled over last 20 years
St. Clair County property taxes nearly doubled over last 20 years
Property taxpayers in St. Clair County have seen home values swamped by property taxes over the past 20 years.
By Vincent Caruso
Lawsuit seeks to end Burke’s ‘political army’ in Chicago workers’ comp system
Lawsuit seeks to end Burke’s ‘political army’ in Chicago workers’ comp system
Chicago’s longest-serving alderman runs the city’s workers’ comp program without any outside scrutiny. But a new lawsuit aims to change that.
By Austin Berg